F
CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
Cornell University Library
F 29C2 R66
Hlstorv„of Camden and Rockport, Maine.
olin
3 1924 028 809 923
DATE DUE
IntprI
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Lo
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GAYLORD
PRINTED IN U.SA
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Cornell University
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The original of this book is in
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HISTORY
of
camden and rockport
Maine:
BY
RE:UEL ROBINSON
Member of The Maine Historical Society
"But the land, whither ye go in to possess it.
Is a land of hills and valleys."
Deuteronomy, 11, 11.
"Tros Tyriusque mihi nuUo discrimine agetur."
Virgil.
t
COPYRIGHT, 1907
BY
BEUEL ROBINSON
/ ^ / r r ^^^
y
1907
Camden Publishing Company
Camden, Maine
To the friends of
Camden and Rockport
wherever gathered or scattered,
this volume is respectfully
dedicated..
PREFACE.
The old town of Camden, which includes the present towns
of Camden and Rockport, has a most interesting history, to pre-
serve which is the object of this volume. Mr. Locke's excellent
" Sketches of the History of Camden" has long been out of print,
and but a few copies are now extant. That work was published
nearly half a century ago, and many important events, happen-
ing since its publication, would have become lost to future genera-
tions unless someone had undertaken the task of compiling a new
history. As no one else seemed inclined to enter upon the
undertaking the writer essayed the arduous and somewhat delicate
work of putting into print the deeds and lives of the Camden and
Rockport people from the earliest period to the present time.
This work is essentially a "home made" production, as the
author is a citizen of Camden, it was printed by the Camden
Publishing Company and bound by Mr. Edwin F. Dillingham of
Bangor, who is a member of an old Camden family and one of
Camden's oldest and most loyal summer residents.
The author does not claim that the work is in all respects a
complete one. No work of the kind can be complete, and he is
conscious that many important events may have been left out and
that from the personal sketches of the lives of men of the two
towns some doubtless have been omitted who are as deserving
of mention as many whose lives have been given. This many
may regret and none more than the author, who has used his best
endeavors to select for record those events that seemed of the
greatest interest, and if any men of note have been left unmen-
tioned, it has been due to inadvertence, lack of knowledge of
Vlil PREFACE 9
them, or because their friends and descendants have failed to
furnish the necessary data.
Miss Emily Eaton in her preface to the Second Edition of
Eaton's Annals of Warren, said that her chief subject of regret
was that " errors would ciesp in." That some errors should be made
in the compilation of a work of this character would seem inevit-
able, especially when printed' in a busy newspaper and job-print-
ing office where it was sometimes necessary to print the pages of
the book and distribute the type for other use before the text had
been properly corrected, and a few errors will be found in this
work. Such of them as are purely typographical, as for instance,
an occasional miss-spelled word, or a wrong punctuation, can be
easily understood. A few that are of more importance, so far as
noted, have been corrected in the " eirata " on page 630 and re-
ferred to in the index.
In collecting and collating the material for this history the
writer has received courteous treatment and generous aid from all
to whom he has applied, and with pleasure acknowledges the
valuable assistance given by many. While he cannot mention
them all he feels under special obligations to the late Joseph W.
Ogier and Mrs. Sarah (Stetson) Glover, the former dying in 1906
and the latter still living, both having passed four score years,
but who, keen of .intellect, and with faculties unimpaired- were
sources of much valuable information ; also to Mr. W. A. L.
Rawson, Mrs. C. E. Wetherbee of Camden, and Capt. Wm. H.
Thomdike, Mr. Joseph S. Eells, Hon. H. L. Shepherd and Geo.
H. M. Barrett, Esq., of Rockport.
Knowing the generous disposition of those who will be most
interested in a history of these towns, the author submits to
the public this work, with its many imperfections, and com-
mends it to the kindly consideration of the friends of Camden and
Rockport.
Camden, Maine, January IS, 1907,
Reuel Robinson.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
PAGE
I.
First View
1
II.
Location, Natural Features, Climate, etc
8
III.
The Aboriginl ....
IS
IV.
The Muscongus Grant
21
V.
The Waldo Patent and Twenty Associates
27
VI.
The First Settlers
35
VII.
The Revolution ....
44
VIII.
The Majorbiguyduce Expedition
52
IX.
Other Revolutionary Events
59
X.
Some Hunting Yarns and Other Incidents
66
XI.
Settlement Revives
72
XII.
Last Days of the Plantation
79
XIII.
The Town Incorporated .
88
XIV.
Excerpta from Ancient Records
97
XV.
Events of the Waning Century .
105
XVI.
Opening of the Turnpike
114
XVII.
The First Settled Minister
122
XVIII.
A Period of Depression
131
XIX.
Concerning Military Affairs . .
140
X
CONTENTS
XX.
" The War for Seamen's Rights " .
149
XXI.
The Alarms of War
158
XXII.
The Town Fortified
166
XXIII.
Sundry Warlike Adventures
175
XXIV.
The Visit .of the " Furieuse " .
184
XXV.
The War Closes ....
192
XXVI.
Parochial Troubles ....
201
XXVII.
A New State .....
212
XXVIII.
Political Concord ....
222
XXIX.
The Temperance Movement Begins .
231
XXX.
Atticus, the Slave ....
242
XXXI.
A Newspaper and the Harrison Campaign
252
XXXII.
Secret Societies ....
264
XXXIII.
A Port of Entry ....
274
XXXIV.
Fate of the Filibusters
286
XXXV.
Enters " Rockport "
295
XXXVI.
Political Ebullitions
302
XXXVII.
A Bridge Fight ....
311
XXXVIII.
A Little Cloud Like a Man's Hand .
321
XXXIX.
The Storm Bursts ....
332
XL.
A Naval Hero ....
339
XLI.
The Conflict Deepens .
346
XLII.
Affairs at Home
354
XLIII.
At the Front
361
XLIV.
Gettysburg .....
367
XLV.
On Many Battlefields
374
XLVI.
The War Debt ....
381
XLVII.
The Dawn of Peace
389
XLVIII.
The Camden Herald
397
CONTENTS
XI
XLIX.
Death of Prominent Citizens
406
L.
" Megunticook Hall "
419
LI.
Greenback Days
431
LII.
The "Bridge Question" Again
438
LIII.
Mirror Lake Water ....
452
LIV.
Electric Lights ....
464
LVI.
The Town Divided ....
476
LVII.
The Great Fire ....
486
LVIII.
From the Ashes
499
LIX.
War With Spain ....
511
LX.
Masonic Centennial
526
LXI.
Recent Events in the Two Towns
536
LXII.
Conway Memorial ....
549
LXIII.
Ecclesiastical ....
568
LXIV.
Educational ....
59S
LXV.
Industrial
601
LXVI.
As Summer Resorts
616
LXVII.
Last View . . . ' .
627
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
The Author
Frontispiece
Lord Camden
-
85
The Old McGlathry House
108
The Cochran - Fay House
-
205
William Carleton
258
The Old Carleton Residence
259
Lewis Ogier
-
284
Jonathan Thayer
305
Joseph Hall
324
Main Street, Camden Village, About 1861
337
Benjamin Cushing
-
384
Horatio Alden
408
Ephraim K. Smart - - -
-
411
Jotham Shepherd
-
455
Joseph H, Estabrook
457
Nathaniel T. Talbot
-
468
Ephraim M. Wood
-
472
A Camden Village Home, Residence of Mr. H.
L.
Alden -
488
ILLUSTRATIONS xUl
A Rockport Village Home, Residence of Hon. H. L.
Shepherd - - - 494
Norumbega - - 508
Philander J. Carleton 522
Central Street, Rockport Village - 537
Thaddeus R. Simonton - - 545
Main Street, Camden Village, 1905 553
Elm Street, Decorated for Conway Day - 559
Congregational Church, Camden 511
Baptist Church, Rockport - 581
Methodist Church, Camden 587
Camden High School 596
Rockport High School 597
Holly M. Bean - 604
Herbert L. Shepherd 610
Camden Mountains 618
A Typical Camden Cottage, Summer Home of Col. M.
M. Parker, of Washington - 622
A Typical Rockport Cottage, Summer Home of Wm. J.
Latta, of Philadelphia 624
HISTORY
Camden and RocKport, Maine.
CHAPTER I.
FIRST View.
When Capt. George Waymouth, in his good ship, Archangel,
sailed out of the reek and mist of the ocean, toward the rugged
shores of Maine, three hundred years ago, it was a pleasing and
beautiful perspective that met his view and gladdened the sea-
weary eyes of his officers and men. Before him towered the high
isle of Monhegan, and beyond it were the green, forest-clad
slopes of the main. After weeks spent in watching the irksome
waste of wind-tossed waters, across which they had sailed from
their English homes, these sailors must have viewed with great
delight, the scene of beauty that burst upon .them on that mem-
orable May morning in the year of grace, 1605, — the gem-like
island in its setting of foam, and the distant continent, clothed
in tKe verdure of spring. They made haste to find an anchorage
and "at about 12 o'clock that day," (May 18, 160S), 'says James
Rosier, the historian of the voyage, "we came to anchor on the
north side of this island, about a league from shore." "From
hence, we might discern the mainland from the W. S. W. to the
E. N. E. and a great way, (as it then seemed and we after found
it), up into the main, we might discern very high mountains,
though the main seemed but low land." The mountains here
mentioned are the Camden mountains, which seemed to the
Englishmen to be some distance in the interior, for reaching
1. The dates mentioned In this chapter are all '-old style." By the new
st> le they would each be 11 days later.
2 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Monhegan as they did from the open ocean to the south, * they did
not know of the great indentation of the coast formed by Penob-
scot Bay, whose waters beat against the feet of these mountains.
Thus Camden was first viewed by Europeans who actually
explored this locality, its towering hills, then as now, being the
most prominent landmarks on the coast of Maine west of Penob-
scot Bay.
Waymouth and his men, however, were doubtless far from
being the first white men who looked upon the "rock-ribbed and
ancient" hills of the Camden range. Who 'first saw them with
European eyes, no one can ever know. Perhaps it may have
been the bold Icelander, Bjome Herjulfson, who,' in the year 986,
A. D., while sailing to Greenland, was buffeted by adverse winds
and driven before the wintry tempests, until he saw on his lee
the rocky, ice-bound American continent. Perhaps it may have
been the great Norseman, Leif, son of Eric, sumamed the Red,
who, in the year 1001, with his thirty-five hardy followers, also
driven by a gale from the shores of Greenland, reached the Amer-
ican continent, sailed along the coast of Maine, to the genial
climate of southern New England, and, perhaps, built the , great
round tower at Newport, which stands today an imperishable
monument to the boldness and heroism of the- sea-kings" of the
North. If the Vikings did discover our coast, it was forgotten
when they left it, for five hundred years, until in 1498, the great
Cabot, reached Newfoundland, and thence came to the coast of
Maine. Afterwards many other voyagers from European countries
are said to have sailed along our shores. Verrazzani, the French
navigator, came here, we are told, in 1524; Gomez, the Spaniard,
in 1525 ; and in 1556, the priestly Andre Thevet, sailed his
French ship into Penobscot Bay and conferred with the Indians
there. All of these may, some of them must, have seen the lofty
shores of Camden, but nothing resulted from their visits. Nearly
1. Waymouth first sighted the Massachusetts coast, thenee sailing north
to Monhegan.
FIRST VIEW 3
■fifty years later, in 1602, while "Good Queen Bess" yet lived,
Bartholomew Gosnold sailed along the Maine coast, and the
glowing account given on his return, caused the Bristol mer-
chants to fit out two vessels, the following year, for the purpose
of traffic and explorations. One of these vessels, the Speedwell,
carried thirty men and boys, and the other, the Discoverer, car-
ried thirteen men and one boy. The command of these vessels
was given to Martin Bring, a friend of Gosnold and Raleigh,
who followed the route of the former in his voyage the year
before, reached the coast of Maine, and entered a bay full of
islands, which was Penobscot Bay. Some of the company visited
the islands of Vinal Haven and North Haven, where they found
silver-gray foxes and named the group " Fox Islands," by which
name it is still known. Beyond the bay was "a high country
full of great woods," which description applies to the "woods
and steepy mountains" of Camden and vicinity as they must have
appeared in 1603, and which delighted the eyes of these early
mariners. Capt. Bring, although well stocked with bright colored
garments, knives, kettles, silver rings and bracelets, and other
trinkets, to trade with the natives, saw no savages in the Penobscot,
and shortly sailed, away to Casco Bay and the Saco. And then,
two years later, sent out by King James, came Capt. Waymouth,
the real explorer of the Kjiox County region.
For nearly two hundred and fifty years after Capt. Waymouth' s
voyage, it was a matter of conjecture and dispute as to exactly
what part of our coast he visited after exploring Monhegan, and
leaving his anchorage on the north side of that island. It has
been claimed by some that he sailed up the Kennebec and by
others, the Penobscot, but neither of these claims were ever
satisfactorily estabUshed. It is now settled, however, apparently
beyond controversy, that he sailed up the St. Georges river and
that the country he explored is what is now the southern and
central portion of Knox County. This theory was first advanced
by Capt. George Prince, a native of Thomaston, in 1858, and
4 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
has since been accepted by all authorities, and the wonder is that
readers of Rosier's account of Waymouth's explorations, did not'
reach the right solution of the disputed question many years
before.
After remaining at Monhegan two days, Rosier says that
they weighed anchor and sailed along to the other islands
" more adjoining to the main and in the road directly with the
mountains, about" three leagues from the first island where we had
anchored." As the St. George islands are the only group about
three leagues from Monhegan and are directly "in the road with"
the Camden mountains, there can be no question that they are
the islands next visited by Waymouth's company. They found a
" goodly haven " among these islands, which they named " Pen-
tecost Harbor," because they reached it^on Whitsuntide. They
landed here, probably on Allen's Island, the outermost and one of
the largest of the group, and " set up a cross on the shore side
upon the rocks ;" and there they found at their first coming
where fire had been made, and about the place were very great
egg-shells, bigger than goose eggs, fish bones, and the bones of
some beast." The following day they put together the pinnace
which they had brought in pieces from England, dug wells, cut
trees for spars and fuel, fished, " pulled off mucli gum" from the
spruce trees, and on Wednesday, May 22, planted the first gar-
den on Maine soil, sowing barley and pease ; and, in short,
enjoyed theniselves so well that, says Rosier, " many of our com-
pany wished themselves settled here."
Having previously fitted out his shallop, the captain and thir-
teen of his men, on May 30, started out to explore the river, but
they returned the next day, for, says the journalist of the expedi-
tion, our captain had, in this small time, discovered up a great
river, trending along into the main, forty miles ; and by the
length, breadth, depth and strong flood, imagining it to run far
up into the land, he with speed returned, intending to flank his
light horseman or gig against Indian arrows, should the river
FIRST VIEW S
become narrow enough to bring it in reach of them." After
some days spent in exchanging visits and presents with the natives,
exploring the harbor, etc., on June 11 they went up the river
with the ship, " about six and twenty miles." The narrator de-
scribes the river as "of a bold shore ; most free from sands and
dangerous rocks in a continual good depth, with a most excellent
landfall." He further describes it as follows: "For the river
itself, as it runneth up into the main very nigh forty miles towards
the great mountains, ^ beareth in breadth a mile, sometimes three-
quarters, and half a mile is the narrowest, where you shall
never have under four and five fathoms of water hard by the shore,
but six, seven, nine and ten fathoms all along ; and on both sides
every half mile, very gallant coves, some able to contain almost a
hundred sail. It floweth, by their judgment, 18 or
20 feet at high water. - As we passed with gentle wind up
with our ship in this river, any man may conceive with what admira-
tion we all consented with joy." The company compared the river
in size, etc., to famous rivers of the world, but Rosier remarks,
" I will not prefer it before our river of Thames, because it is
England's richest treasure." The description given by Rosier
fits the St. Georges river perfectly, with the exception of his esti-
mate of the distance up which he sailed and the height of the
tide, both of which are over-estiipates, such as perhaps would
naturally be made by anyone sailing, for the first time, up a
strange river through a savage country.
"Wednesday, the 12th of June, our captain manned his
light -horseman with 17 men and run up from the ship, riding in
the river, up to the codde thereof, where we landed, leaving six
to keep the light-horseman till our return. Ten of us with our
shot, and some armed, with a boy to carry powder and match,
marched up into the country towards the mountains which we
descried at our first falling in with the land. Unto some of them
1. A rule laid upon the map along the course of the St. Georges River
from Thomaston to the sea, points exactly to the Camden Mountains.
6 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the river brought us so near, as we judged ourselves when we
landed to have been within a, league of them, but we marched up
about four miles in the main, and passed over three hills." After
giving a detailed description of the country over which they
marched, the writer says : " Upon the hills grow notable timber
trees, masts for ships of 400 tons ; and at the bottom of every hill
a little run of fresh water ; but the fartherest and last we passed ran
with a great stream able to drive a mill." ^ In this description, a
part of which is giveii above, the "codde" or small bay, is
supposed to be the broadened bend of the river at Thomaston.
The mountain towards which the river brought them near, was prob-
ably Mt. Madambettox or Methebesec, or as it is frequently called,
" Dodge's mountain," the first of the Camden range, located in
Rockland back of the " Meadows." ^ The description of the
country over which their route lay, answers well to the Meadows
of Rockland and Thomaston, and adjacent territory ; while the
" great stream" may have been Mill River, or perhaps, Oyster
River. Waymouth's next step was to penetrate into the country
by going up the river, which he did on June 13, in ' his light-
horseman. His company was furnished with armor and shot,
"both to defend and offend," and " went from the ship up in
that part of the river which trended westward into the main to
search that." They carried a cross to erect at a point since
1. Mr. John L. Locke, the first historian of Camden, adopting the theory
that Waymouth sailed up the Penobscot, endeavors to show that the crew of
the Archangel visited Camd'eii, claiming that the " codde" was Goose River;
that the "three hills" over which they marched, were Amsbui-y's and Sum-
mer Street Hills in Eockport, and Ogler's Hill in Camden; that the "great
stream able to drive a mill," was the Meguntioook River; and that the
mountain that they reached, was Mt. Battie. Later, however, having. gone
over the ground, he gave up his original theory and concurred in the opin-
ion of Capt. Prince, that it was the St. Georges River, up which the explorer
sailed.
2. See Eaton's History of Thomaston, Rockland and So. Thomaston.
Vol. I, page 18.
FIRST VIEW 7
known as " Watson's Point." ^ "For this, (by the way) we
diligently observed, that in no place, either about the islands, or
up in the main, or alongst the river, we could discern any token
or sign that any Christian had been before ; of which, either by
cutting wood, digging for water, or setting up crosses (a thing
never omitted by any Christian travelers) we should have per-
ceived some mention left." They rowed up the river, the beauty
of the wilderness surrounding which is well described (although
the distance is again over-estimated), presumably to about where
Warren village now stands, and returned to their ship with the
tide, and the next day, by towing with their two boats, with the
aid of the tide and what wind there was, they got the Archangel
down to the mouth of the river, and on the following Sunday
sailed for home.
While Capt. Waymouth probably did not visit the territory
comprised within the limits of the original town of Camden, he
was the first white man, so far as our knowledge goes, who
explored the main land of the State of Maine, by landing on the
territory afterwards incorporated as the County of Knox, and
coming within a short distance of what was afterwards Camden,
guided by the Camden mountains, which majestically towered
amid the beauty of the primeval solitude, then as now, compel-
ling the attention and admiration of all whose eyes beheld their
grandeur ; and beneath whose summits, centuries later, was to
exist and flourish
" — the beautiful town
That is seated by the sea."
1. At Jin elaborate and successful celebration of the three hundredth
anniversary of the landing of Capt. Waymouth, held at Thomaston In
June, 1905, crosses were placed where Waymouth's cross Is supposed to have
been placed, on Allen's Island, and near the foot of Knox street where he is
supposed to have landed, and a granite boulder, with a tablet inscribed to
the event, was permanently placed oh the mall at Thomaston village.
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER II.
Location, Natural Features, Climate, Etc.
The territory comprised within the limits of the old town of
Camden, before its division into the present towns of Camden and
Rockport, is situated upon the western shore of Penobscot Bay, in
the County of Knox, at about 44° 10' north latitude and 69° 5'
west longitude. ^ It is bounded on the north by the town of Lin-
colnville in the County of Waldo ; on the east by Penobscot Bay ;
on the south by the city of Rockland and the the towns of Warren
and Union ; and on the west by the town of Hope ; the last four
municipalities being all located in the Coilnty of ICnox.
The plantation which was afterwards incorporated into the
town of Camden, was surveyed by David Fales of Thomaston, in
1768, and the various lots into which it was then divided, " as per
Fales' survey," are to this day often seen quoted in deeds of
Camden and Rockport real estate. According to this survey, the
township was then six miles in length and five miles and sixty-two
rods in width. The northern boundary, which is still often referred
to in deeds as The Twenty Associates' Line," began at a rock
marked XX on the shore of the harbor, and thence ran north
33 3-4° west. This line, starting at the rock marked XX, which
was a short distance southerly of the steamboat wharf, crossing the
"Belfast Road" a short distance northerly of Mr. W. G. Alden's
residence, and passing across the southwesterly base of Mt. Battle,
extended to the easterly corner of Hope. This boundary left Mts.
Battle and Megunticook and a large part of what is now Camden
village, within the town of Lincolnville. The territory lying
between this line and the present Lincolnville line, was set off to
Camden before its incorporation as a town, on the petition of
1. The exact latitude and longitude of Camden harbor, at Negro Islan I
Light, according to the U. S. Lighthouse Book : 44° 12' 5" ST. Lat. and 69° 2'
68" W.Long., and of Rockpoi-t harbor at Indian Island Light, according to
the same authority : 44° 9' 55" N. Lat. and 69° 3' 42" W. Long.
LOCATION AND NATURAL FEATURES 9
some of its inhabitants, who desired to be included in the same
township as the harbor village " on account of their close proxim-
ity to the same. The township then contained about 23,500
acres.
The surface of the territory is mountainous throughout, there
being but comparatively few acres of flat land in the whole original
township, which is diversified with a wonderful contrast of low
hills, lofty mountains, gentle slopes, precipitous cliffs, rounded
summits and rugged peaks. The principal peaks of the Camden
range, (which extends from Rockland to Northport, and is the most
prominent feature of our landscape), are found within the limits of
"Old Camden." They are, according to Dr. Jackson,
entirely of a grey variety of mica slate formation, ^ with consol-
idated strata, inclining to the horizon at an angle of seventy
degrees. Before the settlement of this region they were covered
with heavy growth, wherever trees could find root upon their
rugged sides. Mt. Megunticook, located in the northern part of
the present town of Camden, and extending into Lincolnville, is
the highest elevation, being variously estimated at from 1265
feet above the sea, as estimated by the U. S. coast surveyors, to
1457 feet as estimated by Dr. C. T. Jackson. Its great slope
extends from its summit to the shore of the bay, and well meets
Capt. John Smith's description of the "high mountains of the
Penobscot against whose feet doth beat the sea." Mt. Battle,
which, according to the U. S coast surveyors, rises to the height
of about 1000 feet, is located directly south of and adjoining
Megunticook, and stands like a watchful sentinel over the village
lying beneath it. Mt. Bald, standing back from the coast near
the Hope line, is another lofty peak about 1140 feet high as
measured by the U. S. surveyors, while farther south towers the
massive form of Mt. Hosmer, sometimes called Ragged Moun-
tain, from its rugged and irregular appearance. The line of the
present towns of Camden and Rockport runs directly over the
1. See Locke's Sketches of the History of Camden, p. 243.
10 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
top of Mt. Hosmer, whose height the coast surveyors placed at
1230 feet. In Rockport and extending into the towns
of Warren, Union and Hope, is Mt. Pleasant. From the
sides of these mountains, vast quantities of timber and wood,
both hard and soft, have been taken during the past century and
a quarter, but much growth still remains. The summits of these
eminences command a magnificent view of the bay with its
myriad islands, and Mt. Desert heights, to the east, and the beau-
tiful lake and mountain region to the west, with the shadowy tops
of the White Mountains of New Hampshire on the distant horizon ;
while far to the south the sail -dotted Atlantic shimmers and darkens
by turn, until it is lost "over the edge of the world." Other
mountains of the range extend back through the towns of Hope,
Appleton and Searsmont and border the shore of the bay in Lin-
colnville and Northport ; and these great billows of earth and
igneus rock, thrown up by mighty convulsions in past geologic
ages and grooved, ground and polished by the drift of the glacial
period, make up a greater portion of the surface of Knox County
as well as of the bordering towns of Waldo County. One well-
known result of the glacial drift is seen in "Balance Rock" on
Fernald's Neck, a granite boulder, brought there and deposited
on end by the passing glacier. Through all the ages since, it has
stood there, always apparently toppling, but never falling.
The lakes and ponds within this territory are numerous and
beautiful. Lying in the valleys between the hills and at the base
of almost every mountain, they reflect from their limpid depths
the cliffs and forests, and add much to the charm of the scenery.
Lake Megunticook, (in the old days known as " Canaan Pond," as'
the town of Lincolnville was then called " Canaan,") is by far the
largest and most picturesque of the Camden lakes. It lies back
of Mt. Megunticook in a deep valley with the " Turnpike CUff "
rising directly from its waters. Fernald's Neck divides it into two
sections, one of which extends a long distance into the town of
Lincolnville. Its surface covers about 500 acres, and it is the
LOCATION AND NATURAL FEATURES 11
source of the excellent water power which drives the many mills
and factories of Camden village, a power that seldom fails, even
in the dryest seasons. Lake Hosmer, located in Camden on the
north side of Mt. Hosmer, is a beautiful sheet of water of about
65 acres, while at the southern base of the same mountain, in
Rockport, is the marvelously pure Mirror Lake ^ which has an
area of ISO acres and from which the water supply of Camden
and Rockport, as well as the most of that of Rockland and
Thomaston, is drawn. On the line of the two towns and between
Camden and Rockport villages, is Lily Pond ^ covering 65 acres
and noted for the thousands of pond lilies that bloom upon its
surface every year. The remaining lakes in Rockport are, .Grassy
Pond on theHope line, a large pond of 200 acres, situated, at the
base of Mt. Pleasant; Rocky Pond, 20 acres; Mace's Pond, 60
acres ; and Lake Chickawaukie, a beautiful sheet of water of 210
acres, in the southern part of Rockport, and extending into
Rockland.
Megunticook River, the outlet of Lake Megunticook, is the
principal river. It is some three or four miles in length, and flows
into Camden harbor. In its fall of 150 feet from the lake to the
bay it has, at least, ten good mill privileges, which are the source
of a great part of the wealth of the town. The other streams are.
Goose River, which takes its source from Lake Hosmer and flows
• into Rockport haibor but furnishes no water power of any conse-
quence, and Oyster River, which rises in Mirror Lake and flows
into the St. Georges River in Warren.
The original town had a shore frontage of some twelve miles,
the general course of which is a little east of north, running from the
Rockland line to the Lincolnville line. Along this shore are the inden-
tations formed by three harbors, and from it extend three capes or
points. The harbors are Glen Cove (formerly known as " Clam
1. The original name of Mirror Lake was Oyster Kiver Pond.
2. In the early days Lily Pond was called "Neck Pond," being situated
on " Beaucliamp Neck."
12 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Cove" ) and Rockport harbors in Rockport, and Camden harbor.
Each harbor has a sheltering isle at its entrance ; Ram Island at
the entrance of Glen Cove harbor, Indian Island at the entrance
of Rockport Harbor, and Negro Island ^ at the entrance of Camden
harbor. The three points jutting into the sea are, Jameson's
Point, lying between Rockland harbor and Glen Cove, the northern
portion of which, next to Glen Cove, is called Brewster's
Point ; Beauchamp Point on the northern side of Rockport harbor,
and Sherman's Point on the northern side of Camden harbor. Both
Camden and Rockport harbors are sheltered and deep and capable
of accommodating many large vessels. That the waters of the bay
once extended much farther into the land is shown from the quick-
sands deposited to great depths in certain portions of Camden
village, notably near where the Camden Village Corporation
Block or "Opera House," stands, and also in the vicinity of the
new High School Building, from which are thrown out, when
excavations are made, many remnants of shell fish ; and when
the outlet of Lake Megunticook was being deepened by blasting
several years ago, the shells of prehistoric bivalves were found
some distance below the surface of the rock. Along the shore
the average height of the tide is about 9.8 feet.
In the early days of the town's history its hills and valleys
were covered with a lofty growth of oak, maple, birch, pine,
hemlock, fir, spruce, and all the other varieties of vegetable life, '
large and small, that usually make up a Maine forest, but the
old primeval forest long ago disappeared. There are still remain-
ing, however, quite extensive wood lots of q smaller growth.
These forests were once inhabited by the red deer, moose, wolf,
lynx, black bear and all the smaller animals now to be found
amid the wilds of northern Maine, but, with few exceptions, they
have long since disappeared. The wolf, bear and moose are now
1. The government has placed a liglnhouse on both Indian and Negro
Islands, the one on the former being a flxc<l red light of the fourth order, and
the one on the latter a fixed white light of the fourth order.
LOCATION AND NATURAL FEATURES 13
never seen in this section, but deer are occasionally found here,
and at one time a few years ago they became quite numerous for
a short time.
Fish abound in our bay and inlets. Smelts, cunners, salmon
and other fish are found near the shores, while the bay is frequently
visited by large schools of mackerel. The bay and adjacent
ocean also furnish large quantities of cod, hake, haddock and
other varieties of large sea fish. The lakes originally abounded
in white perch and pickerel, and the streams in brook trout, and
many of these species are still caught, but the large lakes in this
region, notably Lake Megunticook, have been stocked with black
bass, lake trout, square-tail trout and land-locked salmon, which
are now getting to be abundant.
Camden and Rockport cannot, strictly speaking, be denom-
inated farming" towns. On many of the mountains and lesser
elevations the soil is rocky, sterile and unproductive. There are,
however, many good farms, there being fine arable land on many
of the hills and slopes, and rich alluvial meadows in the valleys.
The most extensive and valuable mineral to be found in the
two towns is lime-stone, vast deposits of which are found cropping
out here and there and extending far below the surface, in differ-
ent parts of Knox county and the southern part of Waldo county.
What has for many years been known as the Camden lime, is of
as good quality as any in the state, and the ' Jacobs lime " has
always been famous in the market. This latter is taken from the
quarries Ijdng between Camden and Rockport villages, although
the most of the deposit is within the hmits of the town of Rock-
port. There is also a large and rich deposit of this calcareous
rock, and extensive quarries worked, near Simonton's Comer, in
the interior of the town of Rockport.
The climate of Camden and vicinity is, of course, much the
same as prevails throughout other parts of New England, which
is, all things considered, the best in the world. Situated as it is
on the coast, together with other conditions that obtain in this
14 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
section, Camden's climate is more equable than is found in the
interior or farther to the south. The intense heat of summer
and cold of winter which prevail in the interior of the New Eng-
land states, are both here tempered by the ocean. Seldom does
the winter temperature in the coldest weather remain long under
10 ° Fahrenheit below zero, and the warmest mid-summer day
is almost invariably succeeded by a cool and salubrious night.
Owing to some peculiar conditions obtaining in this part of the
Penobscot Bay region, much less snow falls here than in other
sections of the state, even on the coast. Often when big snow-
storms have blockaded all other parts of the state, the storm has
been rain and sleet along the Knox county coast, and we have
had winters that have furnished less than a week of good
sledding" for the entire season. The summer fogs that prevail
along the coast of Maine east of Penobscot Bay, as a rule, trouble
Camden and vicinity very little. It is often the case that the
people of Camden, standing in the bright sunshine on the western
shore of Penobscot Bay, look day after day at the dark bank of
fog, Ijdng over by the islands, that enshrouds the whole coast to
the east. The conditions here enumerated make the climate of
the ordinary Camden summer as nearly perfect as can be found
anywhere upon the globe.
THE ABORIGINALS IS
CHAPTER III.
THE ABORIGINALS.
The men who owned and inhabited the State of Maine prior
to its settlement by the whites, belonged to the great Algonquin
family of American Indians, which extended from Canada to the
latitude of South CaroHna and from New Brunswick to the
Mississippi River, completely surrounding the numerically smaller
if intellectually greater Iroquois of the Six Nations of central
New York. This great family was composed of a large number of
divisions, subdivisions and clans. Those who inhabited Maine
were the Abnakis or Abenaques, dwelling west of the Penobscot
and the Etechemins occupying the territory extending eastward
of that river to New Brunswick. These two races were hostile to
each other and had many bloody conflicts.
At the time Capt. Waymouth visited this section the Abnakis
were predominant throughout Maine. Their chief tribe was the
Wawenocks, the name signifying a "brave people." They dwelt
on the west shores of the Penobscot, and throughout the territory
stretching westward to the Kennebec. The sachem of the Wa-
wenocks was ruler of all the tribes from the St. John's River to the
Merrimac and was called " Basheba." His seat was at Pemaquid
and he was practically king of the thirty thousand or more souls
inhabiting that region.
These natives of Maine were taller than the average white
man. The men were of fine physique, and many of the women
comely of form and face. They were inclined to be of a friendly
16 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
disposition towards their pale-faced visitors and had the English
treated them magnanimously, they probably would have had
little trouble with them. The French nearly always treated the
Indians as brothers, and often intermarried with them, as in the
case of Baron Castine who estabUshed a trading post on the
eastern side of Penobscot Bay at the place now bearing his
name, but then called Biguyduce, and shortly afterwards married
a daughter of Madockawando, a chief of the Etechemins, and
himself became a sagamore of the tribe. The French, therefore,
in nearly all their quarrels and wars with the English settlers,
could rely upon the Indians to be their friends and allies.
After Waymouth had been anchored a short time in Pente-
cost Harbor" among the St. George islands, the Wawenocks
made their appearance in three canoes. They landed on an
island opposite, kuidled a fire and stood around it looking with
wondering eyes at the ship. Rosier writes about the incident as
follows: "WefKng unto them to come unto us, because we had
not seen any of the people yet, they sent out one canoe with
three men, one of which, when they came near us, spoke in his
language very loud and very boldly." They waved towards the
sea with their paddles as if demanding that the strangers sail
away and not intrude upon them longer. By showing them
knives, combs, glasses, etc., the sailors finally coaxed them
alongside and presented to them bracelets, rings, pipes, and pea-
cock feathers which they stuck in their hair. They then went
away and were succeeded by another canoe containing four others.
Rosier describes the people as, "well countenanced, proportion-
able, with bodies painted black, their faces, some with red, some
with black, and some with blue ; clothed with beaver and deer
skin mantles, fastened at their shoulders and hanging to their knees ;
some with sleeves, and some with buskins of leather sewed ; they
seemed all very civil and merry ; and we found them a people of
exceeding good invention, quick understanding, and ready
capacity." The next day they again visited the ship and were
THE ABORIGINALS 17
enticed on board and below and were given of the ship's provis-
ions to eat. Afterwards other natives visited the- ship, and five
of them whose names are said to have been Tahanado, Amoret,
Skicowares, Maneddo and Saflacomoit ^ were seized and held as
prisoners aboard the Archangel. The redmen then tried to
inveigle one of the sailors ashore to spend the night, probably
for the purpose of holding him as a hostage for the release of their
kidnapped kinsmen, but without success. The basheba also sent
an embassador, wearing a peculiar kind of coronet made of stiff
hair, colored red, desiring that they would bring the ship up to
his house, but Waymouth prudently declined the invitation.
When, a few days later, Waymouth sailed for Europe, he took the
five captured redskins with him, three of whom lived three years
with Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and the most of whom finally returned
to Maine with different expeditions, and, from the knowledge of
the English language which they had acquired, were employed
as interpreters between the English and the natives.
Nine years later Capt. John Smith sailed into Penobscot Bay.
In his book afterwards pubKshed, he speaks of finding an
Indian settlement at Camden, called Mecaddacut. He also
speaks of the Wawenocks as follows : "The most northern part I
was at was the bay of Penobscot, which is east and west, north
and south, more than ten leagues ; but such were my occasions
I was constrained to be satisfied with them. I found in the bay
that the river ran far up into the Land, and was well inhabited
with many people, but they were from their habitations, either
fishing among the isles, or hunting the lakes and woods for deer
and beavers. On the east side of the bay are the Tarratines,
their mortal enemies, where inhabit the French, as they say, that
live with the people as one nation or family, and to the northwest
of Pentagoet (Penobscot Bay) is Mecaddacut, at the foot of a
high mountain, a kind of fortresse against the Tarratines, adjoin-
1. See Eaton's History of Tlioniastoii, Rockland and South Thomaston,
Vol. 1, page 20. Other authorities spell some of these names differently.
18 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
ing to the high mountains of Penobscot, against whose feet doth
beat the sea. But over all the Lands, Isles, or other impedi-
ments, you may well see them sixteen or eighteen leagues from
their situation. Segocket is next ; then Muscongus, Pemaquid,"
etc. Thenextyear after Smith's visit (1615) the Etechemins,
long weary of Wawenock rule, revolted, and a sanguinary con-
flict ensued in which all the Maine Indians engaged. The
mighty Wawenocks led the western tribes, while the brave Tarra-
tines or Penobscots, under their sagamore, Nultonanit, headed
the eastern tribes. The war was to the knife and lasted two years.
Scores of braves fell on both sides and the V/awenocks were near-
ly exterminated by the war, which the victorious Tarratines closed
by killing the basheba and freeing themselves from Abnaki con-
trol, thus ending the existence of the powerful native despotism,
that was so zealous of its prerogatives that it insisted that all vis-
itors to this territory should show their respect for the great basheba.
This was illustrated when Capt. Popham's colony settled on the
Kennebec in 1607, and began the erection of their dwellings. A
deputation from the Wawenocks came down from the eastward,
to visit the new plantation, stating that their king, the basheba,
expected all strangers coming into his dominion to pay their
respects to him at his court. The natural generosity of the
natives is also illustrated on this occasion, for when Popham, in
compliance with this demand, sent a deputation to visit the
basheba, which was driven back by a storm, the king, learning of
this disaster, sent his son with a retinue to visit the president of
the colony at Sabino.
This war between the western and eastern tribes was imme-
diately followed by a fearful scourge, which swept away whole
villages and devastated the country from the Penobscot to Cape
Cod. During the following half century the small pox became a
frequent pestilence among the Maine Indians and did much to
diminish their numbers. During that time, too, they joined at
intervals with the Massachusetts tribes in waging war upon those
THE ABORIGINALS 19
"Romans of the Western World," the Iroquois, by whom they
were defeated, and on one occasion they were pursued through
the forests by the mighty avenging Mohawks to the very eastern
confines of the state. All these things proved disastrous to the
Maine Indians, and in 1675 their numbers had been reduced to
about twelve thousand souls. That year King Philip's war began
in Massachusetts and many of the Maine Indians participated
with their western brothers in their hatred of the paleface, and from
that time for a period of some ninety years, the English colonists
were, a greater portion of the time, in a state of actual or semi-
warfare with the savages. During the " French and Indian War"
when the natives espoused the cause of their friends, the French,
Maine was the theatre of bloody strife and savage cruelty, but after
the overthrow of the French, the power that had driven them on to
prosecute these wars, the sun of the Maine Indians set forever, and
the settlers were no longer harassed by fear of the tomahawk and
scalping knife. The tribes originally dwelling in the vicinity of
Camden and to the westward long ago disappeared from the
earth. Of the Etechemins there remain two small tribes, the
remnant of the famous Tarratines or " canoe men" at Oldtown
and a few Openangoes or " Quoddy" Indians in the eastern part
of the state.
Many relics of the Indians are found in the vicinity of Pem-
aquid and elsewhere along our coast. Shell deposits, tomahawks,
implements of stone and hieroglyphical inscriptions on rocks,
mark where once Indian encampments or villages stood. But
while occasionally stone arrowheads have been found in this
vicinity,- there seems to be httle evidence of a permanent Indian
settlement in Camden, notwithstanding Capt. Smith's account of
the Indian village of Mecaddacut at the foot of the Megunticook
mountains. This village was very likely a settlement of movable
wigwams, occupying temporarily the place where Smith saw them
while their owners were engaged for a season in " fishing among
the isles or hunting the lakes and woods." But whether or not
20 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
there were permanent Indian villages amid the pristine beauty of
our hills and valleys, it is doubtless true that these hills and val-
leys were the scenes of many stirring events before the white
man's history here began. Our mountains, which were for the
brave Wawenocks a "fortresse against the Tarratines," were
doubtless often watch towers from whose summits the patient
sentinel with east set face, motionless as though cast in bronze,
watched for the approach of the wily enemy, and from which the
signal fire flashed by night and the pillar of smoke arose by day, to
warn the warriors in the far interior of the coming of the Tarra-
tine canoes; and anon from our cliffs reverberated the clash of arms,
the awful war-whoop and the savage yell of triumph over fallen
foes. And where in days of strife, amid our glades and valleys,
■ the powerful sons of the forest lived and hated, so in days of
peace they lived and loved, engaged in their simple, primitive
vocations, fishing in the streams, chasing the red deer through
bush and bracken, or with mighty strokes paddling their birch
canoes over the peaceful waters of our lakes,
" Free as nature fli'st made man,
Ere the base law of servitude began,
When wild in woods the npble savage ran."
THE MUSCONGUS GRANT 21
CHAPTER IV.
The MUSCONGUS Grant.
After the voyage of Capt. Waymouth many adventurers
flocked to the coast of Maine, some of whom entered Penobscot
Bay. William Strachey wrote a " Historie of Travaile into Vir-
ginia," ia which is an account of a " colonie sent out to settle,
within the river Sackadehoc," in the summer of 1607. This is
the history of the voyage of the two ships, " Gift of God," com-
manded by George Popham, and Mary and John" by Raleigh
Gilbert, and the early settlement made at Phippsburg, known as
the "Popham colony." He describes the Camden mountains
seen from the vessels, as follows : ' There be three high moun-
taynes that lie in on the land, the land called Segohquet, neere
about the river Penobscot. They stood towards this high land
untill twelve of the clock noone." They afterwards sailed to the
west and landed at St. George Island where they found the cross
set up by Waymouth, and thus, ' ' having sayled to the westward, they
brought the high land before spoken of to be north."
Other adventurers followed, both English and French. In
1603 King Henry IV of France granted to Du Monts the territory
called by him Acadia, extending from the fortieth to the forty-
sixth parallel of north latitude. This claim conflicted with the
EngUsh claims and difficulties arose between the two peoples that
did not fully end until the close of the French and Indian war, a
few years prior to the Revolution. The French established posts
at Mt. Desert and the mouth of the Penobscot, and the English
22 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
alarmed at their encroachments, sent Capt. Samuel Argall from
Virginia in 1613 to dislodge them. On his expedition he is sup-
posed to have visited the shores of Camden.
The next year that most romantic and heroic figtire of the
early history of North America, Capt. John Smith, made his voy-
age to our coast and gave the name New England to the territory
visited. He landed at Monhegan, and after building seven boats
explored the coast with eight of his men, from Penobscot Bay to
Cape Cod, and made a map of the same. Two years later he
wrote an account of his explorations in which he speaks of Cam-
den as quoted in the preceding chapter. He submitted his map
of the coast to Prince Charles — afterwards Charles I — and
suggested that he give names to the various places to be adopted
in place of their Indian names, which the prince graciously con-
sented to do, and therefore on Smith's map, instead of the Indian
name Mecaddacut, for the place where Camden now is, we find
the name Dunbarton. This name does not seem to be men-
tioned elsewhere, and later the place took the Indian name of
Megunticook. At this time the whole Penobscot Bay region was
known as Norumbega.
The next thing that invites our attention m the chronological
order of events, is the Muscongus or Lincolnshire Grant, from which
all the land titles in this section have descended. Primarily all
Maine land titles are derived from the Crown of England. Sir
Edward Coke thus states the law relating to the feudal system of
land tenures that obtained in England:
" It is known that, first, there is no land in England, in the
hands of any subject, but it is holden of some lord by some kind
of service; secondly, all the lands within this realm were originally
derived from the crown, and therefore the king is sovereign lord, or
lord paramount, either mediate or immediate, of all and every
parcel of land within the realm." ^
When the EngUsh subjects came to America to settle they
1. Commentaries upon Littleton, 65 a, published in 1628.
THE MUSCONGUS GRANT 23
brought with them this English law, and the newly discovered
lands were governed by the same rule. The practice in the early
days of colonization was for the king to grant to large companies
or councils, immense territories lying between certain parallels of
latitude. These companies would apportion various extensive
tracts from the territories covered by their charters, to different
adventurers who would, in turn, parcel these tracts out to others.
In 1620 King James I chartered the Council of Plymouth,
consisting of forty gentlemen, among whom was Sir Ferdinando
Gorges whose name is so intimately associated with the early
history of the Maine coast, and granted to it all land between the
fortieth and the forty-eighth parallels of north latitude which com-
prises all the territory lying between Philadelphia and the Bay of
Chaleur. This council had a somewhat brief existence, but
prior to its dissolution it made various grants, to different adven-
turers, of the Maine territory lying, west of the Penobscot river.
One of these grants, made March 13, 1629, to John Beauchamp
of London and Thomas Leverett of Boston (England), was
styled the Muscongus or Lincolnshire Grant. This grant em-
braced the land lying between the Muscongus and Penobscot
rivers, and extended back from the seaboard to a line far enough
north to give it a superficial area equal to nine hundred square miles.
It included nearly the whole of the present Knox and Waldo counties,
and a part of Lincoln. It was granted without any consideration
being paid by the grantees, and the only reservations to the king
made by the granting power, were the rights of government and
" one fifth part of all such Oar of Gold and Silver as should be
gotten out and obtained in or upon such Premises." The
object of making these grants without consideration was to get
settlements started in the country, which by their growth would
enhance the value of adjacent sections.
The scope of this history does not warrant our going into
the many details that have been given in other historical books
and papers relative to the Muscongus Grant, nor in following the
24 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
history of the various conflicting charters of Maine territory-
granted by James I to the aforesaid Council of Plymouth ; by
Charles I to Sir Ferdihando Gorges in 1639 ; by Charles II to
the Duke of York in 1674, etc. Suffice it to say that through
all the changes that the government of this territory passed from
the date of the Muscongus Grant to the present time the land
titles that grew out of it and the " Waldo Patent" that succeed-
ed it, have always been upheld -unimpeached and unquestioned.
On the death of Beauchamp, his co-patentee, Leverett, by
right of survivorship, succeeded to the whole grant and for several
years continued to administer its affairs. He died in 1650, and
by the English law of primogeniture, his eldest son, John Lev-
erett, afterwards Governor of Massachusetts, succeeded him.
From him it descended to Hudson, his son, and in 1714, to the
son of Hudson, President John Leverett, of Harvard College.
Of the two original patentees, Beauchamp never came to
America and died a short time after receiving the grant from the
Plymouth Council. Leverett who was a. man of distinction in the
English Boston, came to Boston in America in 1633, where he
was selectman, etc., and his descendants for several generations,
were men of mark, culture and ability in the colony, and the
title of all the land in this section was in the family for a long
period of time. Notwithstanding this the name of Beauchamp is
a familiar one in this county today, it being perpetuated by the
point of land in Rockport, known as Beauchamp Point ; while
the illustrious name of Leverett, though applied for a short time
to Jameson's Point in Rockland, has, so far as this section is con-
cerned, long been lost in obscurity and we now seldom hear it
inentioned.
In 1719 President Leverett decided to undertake the re-
occupation and settlement of the grant, which had previously
been ravaged by Indian wars, which that year were happily ended.
He found the undertaking one of great magnitude and beset with
some difficulties. Among other troubles were certain clouds
THE MUSCONGUS GRANT 25
upon his title due to conflicting though probably inva'id claims
of other parties.
In 1694 Governor Phips purchased of Madockawando, sachem
of the Penobscot tribe^ the Tarratines' title to a large tract of land
included within the limits of the Muscongus Grant. The Indians
disavowed their chief's right to make this conveyance, but to
avoid controversy and quiet his title, Leverett divided his holding
into ten shares, granting one share to Spencer Phips, the heir of
the governor. The other nine shares were apportioned as follows :
to a son of Governor Bradford, one share, to extinguish some
intervening claim; to Elisha Cook, two shares; to Nathaniel
Hibbard, Hannah Davis, Rebecca Lloyd and Sarah Byfield, one
share each, the same being descendants of Thomas Leverett;
and the remaining two shares he retained himself. The above
persons were henceforth styled the "Ten Proprietors." During
the same year these proprietors associated with them twenty others
termed the "Twenty Associates," ^ (among whom were Jonathan
and Cornelius Waldo, the father and the brother of Gen. Samuel
Waldo), and admitted them into the company as tenants in com-
mon under mutual obligations to procure settlers for two towns, of
eighty families each. ^
Shortly after the granting of the Muscongus patent, in 1630,
Edward Ashley, agent of the patentees, and William Pierce, his
1. The names of the "Tw. nty Associates" were, Jahleel Benton, John
Clark, Samuel Brown, Thomas Fitch, Adam Winthrop, Samuel Thaxter,
Oliver Noyes, Stephen Minot, Anthony Stoddard, Thomas Westbniok, Thomas
Smith, Jnse Appleton and Thomas Falrwether, Henry Franklin, Gilhert
Bent and Benjamin Bronsdon, William Clark, John Onlton, Jonathan Waldo,
Cornelius Waldo, John Smith and John Jeftrles, twenty -two individuals In
all — hut as Appleton and Fairwether, and Bent and Bronsdon were partneis
in the transaction, the two partnerships were each reckoned as one of the
associates, thus making Twenty Associates.
2. The grant from the Plymouth Council to Beauohamp and Leverett ;
the Indian deed from Madockawando to Sir William Phips; the release of
Spencer Phips to John Leverett; the deed of John Leverett to the "Ten
Proprietors;" and the deeds between the "Ten Proprietors" and "Twenty
Associates," are printed, in the order mentioned, in York Deecjs, Book X,
Fol. 237 t.) 244 inclusive.
26 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
assistant, came from England and established a trading post on
the St. Georges river at what is now Thomaston, which is regarded
as the first settlement in any part of the grant. This post was
broken up by the outbreaking of King Philip's wax. Hencefor-
ward until 1719, the territory comprising the grant was in a state
of desolation, but immediately after the "Ten Proprietors" and
"Twenty Associates" united in the ownership of the grant, two
settlements were begun which afterwards became the towns of
Thomaston and Warren. They were destroyed by the Indians
shortly afterwards, the strength of the two block houses, erected
at Thomaston, alone preventing the total extinction of the settle-
ment. From that time settlements began to grow and flourish in
the southern portion of the grant, but no settlement was
made in Camden or Rockport until more than forty years later.
THE WALDO PATENT 27
CHAPTER V.
The Waldo patent and Twenty Associates.
While the strongest eflorts were being put forth by the own-
ers of the grant, after peace had been declared with the Indians,
to get the country settled, and after they had engaged a minister,
of the gospel and 120 famiUes to come here as settlers, they met
with an unforeseen difficulty in the aggression of one
David Dunbar who claimed, as "Surveyor General of
the King's Woods," 4 reservation of all pine trees in
Maine having a diameter of over two feet, as masts for the British
navy. Clothed with the royal authority Dunbar seems to have
reversed the Scriptural language and regarded every man 7«famous
' according as he had Ufted up axes against the thick trees.' " ^ He
is also said to have forbidden any settlements to be made except
on condition of receiving titles from him. With an armed
force he drove the settlers away, seized their timber and destroyed
their sawmills. The interests of the proprietors were so damaged
by his exactions that they chose as their agent, Samuel Waldo of
Boston, the son of one of the Associates and a "gentleman of
good capacity and great activity," and sent him to London to
undertake to get Dunbar's authority revoked. So ably and per-
sistently did Waldo represent the interests of his clients, that he
1 Collection of the Maine Historical Society, Vol. IX. p. 80. Paper on Brig.
Geii. Samuel Waldo, by Joseph Williamson
28 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
succeeded, in 1731, in getting the "Surveyor" removed, and
the rights of the Proprietors guaranteed for the future. On his
return to America, as a remuneration for his expenses and val-
uable services, the Thirty Proprietors joined in conveying to him
one half of the grant. The estimated area of the whole grant was
600,000 acres, so the thirty 6riginal proprietors had 300,000 acres
left, and the "Ten Proprietors" and "Twenty Associates," as
the two companies were distinguished, agreed to divide the
remainder between them in the proportion of 100,000 acres for
the "Ten" and 200,000 acres for the "Twenty." Later the
" Twenty Associates" in return for being released by Waldo from
certain obligations to procure rettlement, agreed to take their
share in 100,000 acres to be selected by them from whatever part
of the grant they might desire. They selected a tract which was
to be five and one-quarter miles wide en 'the coast, rnd extend
back thirty miles into the interior, but the survey was long de-
layed and when made in 1768, it was found that about twenty
miles back from the shore it infringed upon the Plymouth
Patent, therefore a portion of what is now the town of Liberty,
and the whole of the present town of Mcntville were added to
complete the requisite number of acres. Thus Montville, a part
of Liberty and the towns of Appleton, Hope and Camden made
up the territory known as the land of the "Twenty Associates of
the Lincolnshire Company," as the company was called. The
.surveys were not made until some nine years after Gen. Waldo's
death and were the result of a meeting of the surviving "Asso-
ciates" and the heirs of some of the others being called on
Sept. 6, 1766, at which a committee was chosen to confer with
the heirs of Gen. Waldo. This committee subsequently report-,
ed that the Waldo heirs were willing to carry out the original
understanding, and the following gentlemen were authorized to
execute deeds^ of indenture with the said heirs; viz: Hon. Benjamin
1 The deeds of Waldo hells and the " Twenty Associates" are recorded
. In the Lincoln Records of Knox County, Vol. I, at the Knox County Eealstrv
of Deeds.
THE "WALDO PATENT 29
Lynde, Hon. James Bowdoin, Robert Treat Payne, Esq., and
Messrs. Henry Liddle and Nath'l Appleton.
The "Ten Proprietors" believing that the grant extended as
far north as Bangor, selected as their part of it, Frankfort, Hamp-
den, and a portion of Swanville, Monroe and Bangor ; but final
surveys of the grant established the fact that it did not reach
farther than the northern line of Frankfort, reducing the number
of acres of the "Ten Proprietors" to about 43,000. Some
resolves were subsequently passed and promises made relative to
making up to the Ten Proprietors" their loss caused by the
survey, but nothing resulted and they never received anything in
satisfaction of said loss. The rest of- the Muscongus Grant
(including that part of Lincolnville that was shortly afterwards
anheyed to Camden), containing some 400,000 acres, was finally
Fet off in severalty to the Waldo heirs, and was known as
the " Waldo Patent."
Gen. Waldo was a man of commanding ability, enterprising
and energetic, and did much to hasten the growth of this region.
He made strong efforts to colonize the grant, of which he was
the chief proprietor. Among other things that he did with that
end in view, was to circulate advertisements in the German lan-
guage throughout Germany offering inducements to the people
of that country to settle in Maine. ^
In one of his proclamations published in the German Impe-
rial Post, March 23, 1753, he speaks of our climate, etc., as
follows: " The climate is acknowledged to be healthy, and the
soil exceedingly fruitful, since the wood which grows there is
mostly oak, beech, ash, maple, and the like, and it yields all
manner of fruit as in Germany, but hemp and flax in greater
perfection. Also there is much game in the woods, and many
fish in the streams, and everyone is permitted to hunt and fish."
1 Copies of Gen. Waldo's terms of settlemeTit, advertisement and letters,
relative to the matter of German emigration to this section, are recorded in
the Lincoln Records of Knox County, Vol. I.
30 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
These efforts brought forty families from Brunswick and Saxony
in 1740, who settled at Broad Bay. They were joined by sixty
more famiUes in September, 1753. These Germans laid the found-
ation of the town of Waldoboro, and their descendants make up
a very large proportion of the present population of that town.
On the 23d of May, 1759, while exploring the Penobscot river
above Bangor, Gen. Waldo died suddenly of apoplexy. His
body was interred at Fort Point with military honors, by the
expedition which he had accompanied to the Penobscot to estab-
hsh a fort at the mouth of the river. His remains were shortly
afterwards taken to Boston where they now repose in King's
Chapel burying ground.
Gen. Waldo left four children, one of whom, Hannah, was
the wife of Thomas Flucker, Secretary of the Province. By
purchase and inheritance all the Waldo Patent became the prop-
erty of Hannah Flucker and her husband and her brother Francis.
The stoiy of Lucy Flucker, the daughter of Thomas and
Hannah, is well known. This daughter of an aristocratic tory
family, insisted upon marrying, against the wishes of her kindred,
the young Boston bookseller, Henry Knox, who was noted for his
patriotic proclivities. When the Revolution broke out this
strong-minded young woman smuggled her husband's sword out
of Boston concealed in the folds of her dress, and followed his
fortunes through all the vicissitudes of the war. In the meantime
all her loyalist relatives had fled to England, and their property
had been confiscated by the commonwealth. After the close of
the war Mrs. Knox occupied a high position in her native country,
while the members of her exiled family were reduced to depend-
ence upon the British government for support.
In November, 1785, the commonwealth, by order of the
General Court, quit-claimed its interest in the Waldo Patent ^ to
Washington's favorite general, then the distinguished Secretary
1 Deed of tlie Commonwealth ol Massaelmsetts, to Henry Knox, and
other deeds to Knox of the Waldo Patent are recorded in theLincoln Records
of Knox County, Yol. 2.
THE WALDO PATENT 31
of War, and through the inheritance of a portion of the estate
by his wife, and the purchase by him of the interests of his wife's
relatives, he became sole proprietor of the whole Waldo Patent. ^
In 1793 GeH. Knox sent workmen from Boston,' under the
superintendence of an architect, who erected at Thomaston a
spacious mansion of brick. It was of three stories, including a
brick basement and was surmounted by a fourth cupola-like story,
in the roof. There were also erected farm buildings, stables and
many other out-buildings. This magnificent mansion erected at
the cost of $50,000, was completed in 1794. It was superbly
located on the bank of the St. Georges river, commanding a
magnificent view. Its site was a short distance southerly of the
present railroad station at Thomaston, the station building being
one of the out-buildings of the estate. When his mansion was
completed Gen. Knox, with his family, came from Philadelphia to
make his permanent home on his Maine estate which he had
named " Montpelier," having previously resigned his position in
President Washington's cabinet. Here he entertained sumptuous-
ly and dispensed unstinted hospitality until his death which
occurred October 25, 1806. His remains lie in the cemetery at
Thomaston with only a modest monument to mark the spot. His
splendid mansion was, in after years, allowed to fall into decay
and finally, about thirty-five years ago, was totally demolished. It
1 Mr. Locke, on page 23 of his Sketches of tlie History of Camden, on the
authority of Dr. B. J. Porter, states that "after the KevoUitionary war was over,
fien. Knox went to the General Court of Massachusetts to have his titles con-
flrnied and obtain, if he could, -a share of the sequestrated portion of his
wife's relatives' claims. He arrived on the day of the adjournment of the
Court, and as many representatives had not left Boston, he collected quite a
number of them together, and gave them a sumptuous supper, after which
they were in a pretty good mood to accede to his proposals. We have been
credibly Informed that a committee was formed by these members, when a
bill was soon framed, which ultlmated in his favor. Thus the Gen-
eral, by his adroit manoeuvering, principally, came into possession of the
confiscated title of the absentees, to which, in fact, he had no right above
thatof any other citizen." There is, so far as we know, no documentary
authority for the above statement, and it has been vigorously denied. There
seems to be hardly sufficient foundation for It to be considered absolutely
authentic.
32 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND EOCKPORT
is today a source of much regret that this noble old mansion
was not preserved as a monument to the memory of the great
soldier who lived and died in our neighboring town, and who will
always have a place in history as one of the foremost among those
grand characters of the Revolution who assisted in the establish-
ment of our great Republic.
From the foregoing account of the descent of the Waldo
patent and grant to the " Twenty Associates," it is seen that the
land titles of the original town of Camden finally came from, two
sources, viz.: the title of all land lying northeasterly of the
"Twenty Associates' line," being derived from Gen. Knox, and
all southwesterly of that line (including part of Camden and all
of Rockport) being derived from the "Twenty Associates." Gen.
Knox sold the land in the northerly part of the town, from 1798
to shortly before his death, to Benj. Gushing, Joshua and Lemuel
Dillingham, William and Joseph Eaton, Joseph Sherman, Benj.,
Joshua and Bazeleel Palmer and others, and from them the titles
have come down to the present owners, in nearly every case
without any break in the records. The ' Twenty Associates,"
beginning in 1768 and extending over a period of some thirty
years, from time to time authorized their clerks to sell the land in
Camden owned by them, which was done, sometimes at private
sale and sometimes at auction. In 1769 and for several years
afterwards they issued permits " to settle upon their land, with
the promise to convey to the settlers the land taken up. One of
these "permits," issued to William Gregory, reads as- follows: ^
BOSTON, May 5, 1769.
PERMISSION TO SETTLE IN THE TOWN OF CAMBDEN.
Whereas, you, William Gregory, have manifested to the
Committee of the Propriety, called the Twenty Associates of the
Lincolnshire Company, your desire to become a settler in the
Town of Cambden, now settling near St. Georges River. I have
made a choice of number four as laid down in the Plan of said
Township. You are hereby permitted to enter on said Lot num-
1. Lincoln Records of Knox County, Vol. 3, page 244.
THE WALDO PATENT 33
ber four and to begin a settlement, provided you do within six
months from the date hereof — otherwise this permission to be
void, and if you, to all intents and purposes, do perform the
conditions of settlement as expressed and mentioned in the
proprietors' proposals, herewith given you, according to> the full
intent and meaning of them, then in that case, you shall have
good warrantee Deed of said Lot number four, with all the im-
provements thereon, subject, however, to such restrictions and
duties as are particularly mentioned in the said Proposals.
By order of ,the Proprietors' Committee.
NATH'L APPLETON, Clerk.
Another permit " was issued to Abraham Ogier and reads
as follows :
Boston, June 28th, 1773.
At a meeting of the standing committee of the Proprietors,
called the Twenty Associates of the Lincolnshire Company, voted —
Whereas, Mr. Abraham Ogier had encouragement, some time
past, to come from Quebec and settle upon a front lot in Cambden,
which he now applies for, but all those lots being taken up and
settled, it is therefore voted, that the said Ogier be permitted to
settle upon lot number thirty-three, on Beauchamp Neck, upon
the following conditions, viz.: Said Ogier shall perform ^and do
all the duties which other settlers in said town are obliged to do
and perform, as mentioned and expressed in the printed condi-
tions of settlement for settling the Town ; and, in addition thereto,
he shall work two days extraordinary in each year, on the roads
and ministerial lot in said Town, so long as the settlers by Articles
are obliged to work thereon.
A true copy — Attest:
NATH'L APPLETON, Pro's Clerk.
This is to certify that said Abraham Ogier hath performed all
the aforesaid conditions, as witness our hands.
Robert Thoendipce,
Sam'l McLaughlin,
John Groos,
James Minot.
This "permit" was not recorded until July 22, 1806. ^
This was the beginning of the title in the Ogier family of
1. Lincoln Ei cords of Knox County, Vol. 7, page 72.
34 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the land since known as the " Ogier Farm," and shows one
method adopted by the settlers of presenting evidence to the
Proprietors that they had fulfilled the conditions of the proposals
and were entitled to deeds of their land. The "Associates'*
also disposed of large tracts to William Molineaux, including
" Beauchamp Neck," a tract of 500 acres ; to Robert Thomdike ;
to Charles Barrett ; to William Minot ; to Joseph Pierce, various
lots, at different times, including Negro Island "for faithful ser-
vices as Clerk of the Company," and to many others. From
these original purchasers and their assigns have descended to us
in unbroken succession for the most part, the remaining Camden
and all the Rockport land titles.
THE FIRST SETTLERS ' 35
CHAPTER VI.
The First Settlers.
While settlements were early made on the southern coast of
the Muscongus grant, and that region was often visited by adven-
turers and voyagers from Europe and from other parts of the
American coast, we have no authentic account of visits being
paid to our vicinity, after those already recorded, until 1696,
although both before and after that date it would be strange if
some transient fisherman or trader did not occasionally touch the
coast. In 1696, Capt. Benj. Church made his fourth expedition
against the eastern Indians, who, controlled by Baron de Castine,
were in the service of the French and at war with the English.
He anchored his vessel at Monhegan, and leaving with his men
at night in a whale boat, arrived at Owl's Head in the morning.
Finding no Indians there they continued their way up the Penob-
scot, and came to " Mathebestuck hills," ^ where they "landed
and hid their boats." It was not until after the, middle of the
eighteenth century, however, that white people began to come
this way to any account. During the French and Indian war
Capt. Blaisdell of Newburyport, while in pursuit of Indians, saw
1. The words Mathebestuck and Meoaddacut are said to be different forms
of the same Indian word representing the country about Camden. Probably
itisthe same as ihenameMadambettox or Methebesec, applied to Dodge's
Mountain In Rockland. Massabesec is another form of the word, and is said
to mean " much pond place." Also the names Medumcook and Medomao are
probably of kindred origin and meaning.
36 HISTORY or CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
several on the island at the entrance of Rockport harbor. He
gave them pursuit and they disappeared into the forest on Beau-
champ Point. He is said, from this incident, to have given the
island the name of " Indian Island" by which it is known at the
present day. ^ These infrequent visits caused by war or accident,
were succeeded by more frequent ones in the late sixties when
men came to the Megunticook region for lumber or ship timber
and after stajdng long enough to get a cargo, sailed away ; but
beautiful as was the scenery, and favorable as was the situation,
no one came here to make a permanent settlement until 1769.
For more than a century and a half after Pring, Waymouth and Smith
beheld our mountains, forests and shores, our primeval woods
continued the home of wild beasts and savage men, our lakes
continued to reflect, unchanged, the forins of the ancient oak an4
pine trees, our streams continued to leap unfettered to the sea
and the waves of ocean continued their undisturbed centuries-old
dash against the rocks along our shores. All this time
" Changeless inarch the stars above,
Changeless morn succeeds to even,
And the everlasting hills
Changeless watch the changeless heaven."
But the hour of change is at hand. The moment approaches
which shall see the beginning of that awakening of the calm
repose of nature that always accompanies the advent of the Anglo
Saxon race into new lands ; the race that waves its wand at the
forests and they vanish, that touches the soil where they stood
and it blossoms with fruitful harvests, that plants factories on the
rivers, churches on the hilltops and school-houses in the valleys,
that carries with it wherever it goes, culture, progress and civilization.
James Richards, a resident of Dover, New Hampshire, came
with his family to Bristol, Maine, in 1767. The next year he
came down to the wilderness of this township to cut ship timber
1. Another tradition Is to the effect that the island got Its name from its
being used by the Indians as a rendevous or camping place.
THE FIRST SETTLERS 37
at Negunticook or Megunticook harbor. ^ Charmed with the
place, as so many have been since his day, he erected a rude log
cabin while here, with the determination to make the place his
home. The following spring he put his family and household
goods aboard a vessel and started for his future residence, arriving
here May 8, 1769. As he approached the harbor, today sur-
rounded by business structures, the homes of an independent
population and the mansions of wealthy seekers after health and
pleasure, we can imagine him standing upon the deck and point-
ing out to his family the beauties of the country with its towering
mountains, its giant forests coming down to the water's edge, its
beautiful capes that enclose the harbor and its verdant island
between them, calling attention, perhaps, to the Indian canoe
scuttling away at the vessel's approach, and pointing to the higher
land to the west where he had erected his cabin. As they passed
the island at the entrance of the harbor, it is said that the African
cook of the vessel, attracted by its beauty, exclaimed, " Dare,
dat's my island!" from which incident it has ever since been
known as " Negro Island." Mr. Richards' cabin stood some-
where on the land lying between Elm, Mechanic, Washington
and Free streets, and one of his descendants fixes the site at a
point just back of the Norwood house. He afterward obtained a
permit to settle lot 28, but did not get his deed of it from the
"Twenty Associates " until 1803. This lot contained mill
privileges on Megunticook river and extended back in the Pearl
street direction, and quite a considerable portion of it is even to
this day owned by his descendants. When he came here a rem-
nant of the brave red men still had a few wigwams on " Eaton's
Point," while a few others occupied Beauchamp Point. These
Indians were Tarratines who, many years before, superseded the
Wawenocks. As a pioneer Mr. Richards proceeded to fell the
trees of the forest and kept at his cabin door a grindstone upon
1. In most of the older records and plans the wnrd Negunticook Is used.
Later Megunticook seems to have been adopted and used altogether.
38 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
which to sharpen his axe. In his absence from home, the Indians
used often to come and sharpen their knives and tomahawks on
this stone, which action at first alarmed Mrs. Richards exceeding-
ly, but 'as 'they always treated her with due respect, with the
courage of true, self-reliant pioneer womanhood, she soon got
over her nervpusness and met the savages on. friendly terms.
Mrs. Richards, whose name was Elizabeth, and who Was affection-
ately called " Betty " by her friends, in her loneliness became
much attached to the grand mountains of her new home. The
one nearest her cabin she claimed as her own, and it soon began
to be called Betty's orBatty's mountain and out of this circum-
stance grew its present name of 'Mt. Battle."
Mr. Richards, our first settler, was not, however, for a long
time, the only settler, for the same year his two brothers, Joseph
and Dodiphar, joined him, built log houses and formed a little .
neighborhood which soon began to grow and flourish. These
three Richards brothers, were the progenitors of nearly all the
numerous population of that name now living in Knox and Waldo
counties.
In July, 1769, about two months after James Richards set-
tled at the " Harbour," Robert Thorndike of Cape Elizabeth, a
native of Beverly, Mass., came with his family of seven children,
and settled at "Goose River," now Rockport village. Like
Richards he had been here previously to cut timber. For two or
three years prior to this time, he had brought his sloop to Goose
River and carried away several cargoes of ash to be used in making
vessels' blocks. During his stays here on those occasions he
explored the country and decided to return at a future day and
make the place his home. Like Richards he possessed the
sturdy qualities that made up the characters of the successful
pioneers of our early history and transmitted those qualities to his
descendants, many of whom inhabit this region. Mr. Thorndike
settled on his own land, for when he decided to come here he
purchased (Nov. 9, 1768), of the "Twenty Associates" a tract of
THE FIRST SETTLERS 39
land containing about SO acres, and extending from the easterly
shore of Goose Harbor ^ to the "Neck Pond" now known as
Lily Pond. A portion of this tract is now covered by Rockport
village. Thus, Mr. Thomdike became the first settler of Rock-
port, and his log house stood near where the Rockport Methodist
Episcopal church now stands. Later he built a frame house on
almost the same spot, which was the first house of the kind at
Goose River.
The next settler at the Harbor was Maj. Wm. Minot of Boston,
who in 1771 purchased land and water power of the "Twenty
Associates" near the mouth of Megunticook river and erected a
grist-mill and saw-mill near where the mill of the Camden Grist
Mill Co. now stands. He also built the first frame house in
Camden, which stood just back of the house now occupied by
Wm. H. Thomdike on Chestnut street. Maj. Minot did not
live many years after settling in Camdea, for in 1785 we find a
record of Stephen Minot deeding to Joseph Eaton "a point of
land on the northeast side of Negunticook harbor, that falls within
the bounds of the Lincolnshire Co. supposed to contain 7 or 8
acres being the same Land which was granted to Wm. Minot by
said Company, A. D. 1771. Also one half of the grist-mill, the
same that came to said Stephen as father and heir of said Wm.
Minot." 2
The next settler, it is supposed, was Abraham Ogier ^ who
1. Lincoln Records of Kiiox Co. Vol 2, p. 384. The name " Goose Harbor,"
etc., Is said to have been derived from the foUowing circumstance: One of
the early settlers finding the nest of a wild goose in a tuft of grass on a ledge
in the pond now known as "Lake Hosmer," ga/ve it the name of "Goose
Pond." This pond being the source of the little riverthat flows into Rockport
harbor, the name of Goose River and Goose Harbor were naturally applied
to them. The village also was known as "Goose Elver" until 1852, when it
was ofBcially changed to Rockport, by the P. O. Department.
2. Lincoln Recoids of Knox Co. Vol. 1, p. 483.
3. Mr. Locke in his " Sketches " and other writers on ancient Camden
history, say it was Lewis Ogier who settled in Camden. This is an error, and
weareinformedby Mr. Joseph W. Ogier and other descendants of the firsf'
Camden Ogier, that it was Lewis' father, Abraham Ogier, who was the first
40 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
came from Quebec. He was the son of Peter Ogier, a French
Huguenot, who fled from France to England to avoid the persecu-
tions then inflicted in France upon the people of his faith. He
established a business house in London, and his son, Abraham,
went to Quebec to take charge of a branch of the business. From
there he came to Camden. As we have already seen, he took Up
a lot running from the shore on Ogier's Point, over Ogier's Hill
to the Lily Pond, being lot 33 of the Fales survey. He built his
house on the point near the shore about where the " Hardy cot-
tage" now stands, and traces of the old cellar exist there today.
Paul Thomdike, brother of Robert, next came to Goose
River and at the same time came James Simonton, and later John
Harkness, Peter Ott, John Ballard and others. Mr. Ballard took
up a lot of 100 acres oh the westerly side of " Goose Harbor."
A part of this lot is where "Ballard Park" is now locatedj on the
shore.
About this time WilUam Gregory, William Porterfield,
William Upham, David Nutt and Barak Buckhn settled
in the vicinity of Clam Cove, now known as Glen CoVfe,
while Robert and Alexander Jameson settled on Jameson's
Point. Thus the town had a gradual growth for a period of some
six or seven years, when the Revolutionary War broke out, during
which emigration to the township ceased and the population fell
off to some degree.
During these pioneer daj^ the settlers, while clearing the
forest, lived largely by fishing and hunting. After getting a
clearing they planted their seed and soon had a supply of com
settler, although he brought with him his son, Lewis, then a lad of about
eleven years of age. This is corroborated by the " pi^rmlt " from the " Twenty
Associates " recorded in the preceding chapter and a deed found recorded
in Vol. 2, p. 386 of the Lincoln Records of Knox Co. under the date of July 2,
1793, wherein Abraham Ogier deeds to his son, Lewis, one hundred acres of
land running from the shore of the harbor to the pond, being lot 33, in con-
sideration of " a cow Wintered and summered so long as 1 and my wife
liveth and sixteen dollars per year paid yearly, and to summer a calf when
wanted."
THE FIRST SETTLERS 41
and other crops. Prior to the building of Minot's grist-mill, the
settlers had to carry their com on their backs twelve miles through
the forest to the mill at Warren, to get it ground. There was no
path and they were guided by spotted trees. On one occasion
Dodiphar Richards started with his grist for Warren. Darkness
coming on he arrived at an isolated cabin and asked for shelter
for the night. The master of the house being absent, and his
wife alone, she felt timid about admitting the stranger and refused
his request. Being obliged to continue his journey he stumbled
along through the woods in the darkness until .9 o'clock,
when he heard in the distance the howling of wolves. Securing
a stout club, he backed up to a large tree and awaited their
approach. He had not long to wait before a pack of some thirty
yelping beasts surrounded him. As they leaped at him he would
strike them with his club, when they would spring back, at which
his small dog would jump at them and bark. Then they would
come back at him and the dog with renewed howls, to which
others in the surrounding forest responded, and the pack grad-
ually increased in numbers until at midnight a hundred hungry,
snarling, but cowardly beasts surrounded him and his biave dog.
At one time, being harder pressed than usual, he threw his' dog
at the beasts, but they seemed to fear to attack it, and the little
animal ran back and crouched at his master's feet. Not having
the heart to repeat the experiment, the stalwart settler fought the
wolves ofi with his club until dawn, when one by one they slunk
away and left him to continue his journey in safety. After get-
ting his meal he returned to his cabin none the worse for his
disagreeable experience, but in relating the incident afterwards to
his friends he said, " I should rather have been at home in my
log hut than out in the woods fighting those cussed varmints."
The necessity of carrying com so far, ceased when the mill was
built at the Harbor, and customers came to it from all the sur-
rounding settlements, even as far away as Belfast, whence they
came in boats. There is a story of Robert Miller of Belfast,
42 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
coming to Camden with grist and on his return stopping at a cabin
at " Duck Trap," which was the only house then in Northport,
to get his dinner prepared. He found the family sick and desti-
tute, having had nothing to eat but clams for several days.
Returning to his boat he brought back and supplied them with
half his bag of meal, prepared a repast, of which he partook with
them, and went on to his home, happy in the knowledge that it
is more blessed to give than to receive." Thus helping one
another the early settlers scattered throughout the wilderness,
lived their homely but happy lives close to Nature's heart. With
all their cares and hardships, they did not forget the scriptural
injunction to "multiply and replenish the earth," and soon
children began to come to brighten their rude homes of logs.
Local historians have disagreed as to who were the first white
children, male and female, bom within the limits of the old town
of Camden. Locke says that Robert Thomdike, born at Goose
River, Sept. 17, 1773, was the first white male child born in town
and that his sister, Betsey, bom subsequently, was the first white
female child ; ^ while Eaton claims the distinction of being the
first white child bom in town, for Josiah Gregory, son of William
Gregory of Clam Cove, who was bom May 5, 1771, and says
Bridget Richards, daughter of James Richards, whose birth pre-
ceded his, was the first white female child bom here. ^ We find,
however, that neither of these authorities are altogether correct.
It is very probable that Josiah Gregory was the first white male
child bom here, but there seems to be no question that Mehitable
Thomdike, daughter of Robert Thomdike, born April 8, 1770,
was the first child of European descent bom in Camden. Her
sister, Betsey, was bom Oct. 4, 1771, ^ while two of the Rich-
ards children, Bridget, bom May 8, 1771, and Jacob, bom June
1. See Locke's Sketches, p. 31.
2. See Eaton's History of Thomaston, Kockland and So. Tliomastoii
Vol. I, p. 84.
3. See First Town Eeoord Book of Births and Deaths.
THE FIRST SETTLERS 43
8, 1773, ^ preceded Robert Thomdike. Bridget and Jacob
Richards then were the first white children to see the light within
the limits of the present town oi Camden.
It is interesting to note one remarkable characteristic of these
earliest settlers of our town and their families, and .that is their
wonderful longevity. James Richards died at the age of 78, his
son, James, Jr., at the age of 94, and his grandson, James, third of
the name, also at the age of 94, while many others of his descend-
ants lived to be very old. Robert Thomdike lived to be more
than 100 years old, and his descendants have been remarkable for
their longevity. Among them were the late Alexander Thomdike
of Camden, who died a few years ago aged 90 years, and his two
sisters, Mrs. Sarah Stetson and Mrs. Clementine Philbrook, who died
recently at the ages of 91 and 94 years respectively. The same
is also true of the Gregorys. William Gregory died at the age of
93, and one of his sons, Capt. John Gregory lived to the age of
99. Lewis Ogier also lived to be over 88. It is evident that
the material of which these old pioneers were made was • of the
most hardy fibre, and what is true of them appUes equally to
those who immediately followed them to the wilds of Camden.
And what can be said of their physical, can also, as a mle, be
said of their mental and moral characteristics. That such should
be the character, of the founders of our town must necessarily be
true. To face the vicissitudes, dangers and hardships of the
frontier wildemess required a strength, bravery and fortitude, not
possessed by ordinary mortals. Sturdy men! Brave women! We,
their progeny and successors, do well to honor their memories,
for they put civilization behind them and came to these grand soli-
tudes, to help build up a great state in the wildemess, with no
one to welcome them to their new abode but the untutored
savages, the beasts of the forests and the wild birds of the mountains.
"The ocean eagle soared
From his nest by the white wave's foam,
And the rocking pines of the forest roared ;
This was their welcome liome."
1. See Genealogy of Richards Family, p. 188.
44 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER VII.
The Revolution.
Sturdy as were the early settlers in their physical and moral
characteristics, they were no less sturdy in their patriotism. The
rule that " mountaineers are always freemen," did not find an
exception in the case of the Carnden forefathers. Their natures
were cast in the same mould as the rugged mountains among
which they lived, and the free air of their forest-environed homes
bred in them a love of liberty and a spirit of resistance to the
tyranny of the despotic rulers across the sea. When the fire of
the Revolution, long smouldering, had burst into flame at Lexington,
and the "embattled farmers" at Concord "fired the shot heard
round the world," its echoes reverberated among the hills of
Camden, and awakened our first settlers to the gravity of the
situation and found them ready to do their utmost to repel the
invader should he land upon their shore or to shoulder the flint-
lock and march to the front if called to do so ; and during the
whole course of the war the men of Camden, with few exceptions,
were among its most earnest supporters. Camden was not the
scene of any great battle, and on account of its then isolated
situation it did not at once feel the effects of the contest being
carried on in the older part of the colony, but it was not long
before parties of British and their tory sympathizers began to
make excursions to our shores, to steal the settlers' sheep, cattle,
and other property and often to destroy what they could not carry
away. When on these looting expeditions the British came in
THE REVOLUTION 45
barges which were called " shaving mills," and their depredations
aroused the righteous wrath of our early settlers, who often proved
too much for the robbers. There are several stories, often related
in the old days, which illustrate these plundering raids of the
enemy, as well as the fearlessness and uncompromising character
of the Camden forefathers. They relate to that period of the
Revolution before any troops were stationed at Camden, and the
settlers had to depend upon themselves to defend their property
from marauders, and some of them are of sufficient interest to be
recorded here.
Robert Jameson when a boy, had a schoolmate by the name
of Pomeroy, who, in later years, had also gone to sea with him.
When the Revolutionary struggle commenced, Pomeroy, then
living at Friendship, became a tory, and knowing Jameson to be
a strenuous patriot, undertook to guide a " shaving mill " to Clam
Cove to depredate his property. The barge, guided by Pomeroy,
reached Jameson's Point late in the forenoon, and landed a force
of nineteen men near Mr. Jameson's log house, seized him as he
was mowing in his field, and carried him aboard the barge. Some
of the company went into his house and brought away two guns,
two firkins of butter and other things of value. Another party
shot his oxen and killed his pigs which they dragged to the shore,
quartered without taking off the hides, and carried t^em on board
their barge. They then told Jameson that he was free to go home.
Under those circumstances most men would have hurried away as
soon as possible. Not so Jameson ! His heart, which knew no
fear, was burning with rage at the loss arid indignity he had suf-
'fered, and with a determination to get revenge if possible. His
seaman's eye had detected an American privateer in the fog near
Owl's Head, and thinking that an opportunity to avenge himself
was at hand, he resolutely refused to leave the barge. The priva-
teer approached within two rniles of Clam Cove, when Jameson,
notwithstanding he was ordered to hold his tongue, loudly hailed
it, but the increasing density of the fog prevented the privateer's
46 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
attention being attracted. The British then offered to take him
with them if he would join in their predatory expedition, which
offer he contemptuously rejected and said he hoped the privateer
would take them that he might wreak his vengeance upon them.
Deciding that he was a dangerous man to have with them, they
peremptorily ordered him to go ashore, which he as peremptorily
refused to do. They then brought his wife aboard the barge
to persuade him to go ashore peaceably, but he persistently
adhered to his determination to remain aboard as long as there
was a chance of the privateer returning to the place. As night
was approaching they decided to remain in the Cove until morn-
ing and allow their unwelcome guest to stay on board. The
morning's light showed no traces of the privateer, and seeing no
hope of immediate redress, Jameson strode ashore declaring, as
the barge sailed away, that his wrath would be forcibly visited
upon the head of the base Pomeroy, when next they met. The
story is not complete without the sequel which took place a few
years later after peace was declared, when Pomeroy went as pilot
to Bangor on , board a Waldoboro vessel commanded by Paul
Jameson, Robert's brother. On the return trip down river with a
cargo of lumber, the vessel put into Clam Cove. While there
Robert learned that Pomeroy was on board and told his ^ brother,
the captain, that he proposed to have satisfaction, before he left,
for the loss and insults he had received. His brother's efiorts to
dissuade him were of no avail. His injury had rankled in his
breast too long and he would not forego his long contemplated
revenge. Taking his musket, loaded and with fixed bayonet, he
went on board in the absence of the captain, and finding. Pomeroy,
told him the purpose of his visit. Pomeroy in great fear begged
his forgiveness, but regardless of his entreaties, Jameson pitched
into him with his fists and lay him unconscious upon the deck
and would doubtless have made an end of him but for the inter-
ference of others. When leaving to go on shore Jameson gave
his fallen enemy a thrust with his bayonet to ascertain if he were
THE REVOLUTION 47
dead. He proved to be alive, however, and the captain hearing
of the trouble went on board his vessel and hurriedly sailed away.
The people of Camden held Pomeroy in so great contempt, and
were so indignant at his unforgotten treachery and treason, that no
notice was taken of the assault, and the matter ended.
The British took possession of Castine or Majorbiguyduce,
as it was then called, on June 12, 1779. During that year,
according to the old tradition recorded by Locke in his sketches
of the history of Camden, an Enghsh vessel approached Megunti-
cook harbor from the direction of Castine, evidently on a maraud-
ing trip. She was seen by two residents of the harbor, Leonard
Metcalf and Andrew Wells, who undertook to prevent by stratagem
the landing of the enemy. Wells took his drum to the shore
and began lustily to beat the " roll call/' while Metcalf in a
commanding voice, proceeded to give out miUtary orders to an
imaginary company of soldiers. This action, of the two patriots
only resulted, however, in alarming the approaching British, who
sent on shore a larger force than they had intended, to dislodge
the supposed company of " rebels " in the woods. They landed
on the west shore of the harbor, near Wm. Minot's house, dressed
in the red uniform of the British soldiers, and charged up the
bank where they saw Metcalf and Wells and fired at them. Met-
calf returned the fire, and ran, loading his musket as he did so,
and not paying proper heed to his steps, fell over a log, when one
of the Englishman cried, "There's one of the d Yankees
dead." Metcalf, however, was far from being dead, for rising
to his feet he fired at his pursurers again and retorting, "That's a
lie," disappeared into the thicket with his comrade and both hur-
ried to Goose River to spread the alarm. The marauders then
turned their attention to Maj. Minot's house, which they burned
to the ground, and then visited Abraham Ogier's cabin on Ogier's
Point. Mrs. Ogier, being at home alone, and seeing them
approaching from the direction of Minot's flaming house, took to
her bed and feigned sickness. The soldiers entered and roughly
48 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
ordered her to get up and leave, as they were going to bum the
house. With a feeble voice she told them that it would be death
for her to leave her bed and begged them not to disturb her.
Believing her story they spared the house and proceeded back to
the Harbor where they burned several houses, among them that of
James Richards . They also burned several hay-stacks and destroyed
Wm. Minot's saw-mill. They then set fire to his grist-mill,
which was saved, according to Eaton's Annals of Warren and
Williamson's History of Belfast, by Leonard Metcalf. Mr. Locke,
however, claims this to be an error, and gives the following ver-
sion of the the saving of the mill, which was told by Robert
Thomdike, who remembered the circumstance. Belfast had
previously been evacuated and many of its settlers had come to
Camden and stored their goods in this grist-mill ; therefore when
the British set it on fire, a cripple from Belfast by the name of
Dow, anxious to save his own and his neighbors' property, extin-
guished the flames. Again it was set on fire and again Dow put
it out and persisted in so doing, notwithstanding that he was
roughly handled, and threatened with personal violence by the
soldiers. At last they relinquished their attempts, saying, "Well,
we'll let it alone, as the d rebels will die if we burn their mill."
So the valor of the cripple saved the mill. In the meantime,
Mrs. Richards and her children and the other residents of the
Harbor had fled to the woods, and with sorrowful hearts saw
arising the smoke of their blazing homes. At last the invaders
started to return to their boats, and on their way, like their fellows
on their retreat from Lexington, they were pursued and hastened
by the bullets of the ambushed settlers.
It seemed to be the part of the tories to lead these plunderers
against their fellow-countrymen, and in the case just recited the
pilot was a tory by the name of John Long. After the war closed
Long one day happened to be at Peter Ott's tavern at Goose
River, when that tory-hater, the doughty Robert Jameson, rode
up and entered the tavern. As the weather was cold he told Ott
THE REVOLUTION 49
to build up a big fire, as he wished to warm himself, at the same
time remarking that there was one man present whom he was
going to put on to bum. Ott, supposing Jameson was joking,
piled on the wood, and in a few minutes had a roaring fire. Jame-
son, who was a giant in strength, then seized Long and threw
him on the fire as if he were a stick of cord wood. Before he
could get out of the fireplace his face and hands were badly blis-
tered, his clothing burned and his hair singed. "There," said
Jameson, "bum the harbor village again, will you?"
Neither was this incident the last trouble Long had on
account of his dastardly conduct, for on one occasion more than
twenty years after the burning of the village. Long came to Cam-
den, and according to the old tale, met Leonard Metcalf on the
street, and recognizing him, extended his arm to shake hands
with him. Metcalf contemptuously ignored his proffered hand,
saying, " Let every dog shake his own paw," and pointing in the
direction of the destroyed saw-mill, exclaimed, "There, look at
that mill, sir." Long turned his head to look, when Metcalf
struck him a stunning blow in the face, which felled him to the
ground, and then finished paying the old score by giving him a
severe pommelling. Col. Erastus Foote heariag the noise caused
by the quarrel, rushed out of his office to leam its cause, and
when Metcalf explained, he laughed heartily, declared the retalia-
tion to be just, and handing Metcalf a dollar told him to go and
drink his health.
On another occasion at about the same time (1779),
the active and redoubtable Metcalf had better fortune in
repelling the invader. An American coasting vessel being
pursued by a British barge, ran ashore at Ogier's Cove. Metcalf,
who lived in that vicinity (where, by the way, one of his descend-
ants lives today), gave the alarm and roused the neighboring
settlers, who, with the vessel's crew, secreted themselves near the
shore and fired a volley into the approaching enemy. Metcalf
would then run out from the woods and fire at them, when he
so HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
would return, load and repeat the act. The British, kept at bay
by the settlers' guns, at last rowed away. The next day the set-
tlers mustered their neighbors at Goose River and stood ready to
repel the enemy, should they attempt to take the prize at high
tide. The English, however, did not deem it best to return, and
on the next tide the vessel sailed for her destination.
It is said that at this' time the Scottish commander at Castine,
Gen. Campbell, sent his son in an armed vessel to bum the set-
tlement at Camden, but finding nothing but log huts and know-
ing the temper of their occupants, he failed to do so, excusing
himself to his father by declaring that he " wouldn't risk the life
of a man for all the soo hooses (pig styes) there were in the place."
Eaton in his "Annals of Warren" relates an incident in the
history of Camden, that occurred at about this time as follows :
A kind of tavern in a log house was kept at Clam Cove by Wm.
Gregory, a jolly, light-minded man, much fonder of a merry
story than a political discussion, and more eager to amass a fortune
than to maintain the rights of either country. He was reckoned
a tory and his house frequented by illicit traders, though he was
frequently plundered by both parties. On one occasion about
this time, a knocking was heard at night at his door. He,
answering, was requested to open his door to a friend. When, as
he did so, in rushed a file of men, all, excepting the commander,
speaking a foreign tongue, probably the Scotch highland. They
inquired if two deserters, whom they described, were in his house ;
and being satisfied that they were not, compelled Gregory to go
with them as a guide, to the ferry at Thoinaston. On their arrival
the boats were all on the other side, but after a little talk not
understood, one stripped off his clothes in an instant, notwith-
standing the coldness of the (leather, and plunging in, soon
returned with a boat. Leaving him to dress and warm himself as
he could, the rest went over to Watson's house, found the desert-
ers, returned to Clam Cove and embarked before the dawn."
These stirring events kept our settlers on the qui uiue during
THE REVOLUTION SI
the first half of the struggle, but the Penobscot was soon to become
the scene of real war.
52 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER VIII.
THE MAJORBIGUYDUCE EXPEDITION.
After the occupation of Majorbiguyduce ^ by the British the
Massachusetts government directed that a force of 1200 men be
raised in the counties of Cumberland and Lincoki, to dislodge
them. The number of men actually raised, however, was less
than 1000, the most of whom were raw recruits. Quite
a formidable fleet was also collected consisting of the flag-ship
Warren, a new frigate of 32 guns, together with nine ships, six
brigs and three sloops, all carrying 344 guns, and 24 transports.
The fleet and army rendezvoused at Townsend (now Boothbay
Harbor), among the soldiers being Camden's quota, consisting of
William Gregory, Peter Ott, Andrew Wells and Leonard Metcalf,
as shown by the pay-roll in the secretary's office at Boston. On
July 24, 1779, the fleet set sail for Penobscot Bay, commanded
by Commodore Saltonstall, and having on board in addition to
the sailors, between three and four hundred marines and about
one hundred Massachusetts artillery-men under the command of
Col. Paul Revere. The commander of the land forces was Gen.
Solomon Lovell, and the second in command was Gen. Peleg
Wadsworth. ^
1. We also find the forms Majorbagadiice, Majibigwaduce, Biguyduce,
Bagaduce, etc., all derived from the Indian name, Match ebigiiatiis, meaning
" At a place where there is no safe harbor "
2. Gen. "Wadsworth of Duxhury, Mass., settled in Portland after the war
and built the brick house on Congress street, known as the "Longfellow
House." He was the grandfather of the poet, Henry Wadswoi-th Longfellow.
THE MAJORBIGUYDUCE EXPEDITION S3
This expedition is of interest to us, both because four of
Camden's early settlers took part in it, and because it was
one of the important events of the war and took place in our imme-
diate neighborhood. It was a bitter failure owing to the cowardice
and incompetency of the commanding naval ofBcer, but the defeat
has come down to us in history brightened by one of the most bril-
liant displays of heroism on the part of the raw recruits, that the
annals of the war afford.
When the expedition appeared in sight of Castine on July
2Sth, the British commander, who had heard several days before
that it was coming, and had been doing all in his power to pre-
pare for the attack, decided that he could not defend his position
with what force he had, and immediately sent to Halifax for aid.
On July 28 the American fleet was drawn up in a line before the
British position and four hundred men were sent ashore under the
guns of the fleet, to commence the attack. The landing was
made under a steep bluff, which is from one to two hundred feet
in height, in the face of a galling fire from the ambushed enemy.
The force divided itself into three parties, one ascending the
declivity in the center and the others at the right and left. So
precipitous was the ascent that they were obUged to make it
without order, each man depending upon himself. They gained
the heights and drove the enemy to the fort, leaving thirty British
soldiers killed, wounded and prisoners. This brilliant engage-
ment lasted but twenty minutes, and is but another illustration of
the magnificent valor of the Revolutionary heroes. According to
Gen. Wadsworth's account, when the victorious Americans found
themselves m possession of the heights, they had lost one hundred
men. This exploit has been compared to Wolfe's ascent to the
plains of Abraham, and Gen. Lovell wrote in his journal: "When
I returned to the shore it struck me with admiration to see what a
precipice we had ascended, not being able to take such a scru-
tinous view of it' in time of battle ; it is at least, where we landed,
three hundred feet high & almost perpendicular, and the men
54 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
were obliged to pull themselves up by twigs and trees. I don't
think such a landing has been made since Wolfe." ^ Had this
action been properly followed up by the. fleet, the place would
have surrendered before succor could have reached the British
and the whole expedition would have been a brilliant success. At
this point a council of war was held and it was proposed by the
officers of the army that a demand be made Upon the enemy to
surrender immediately, but this was opposed by Commodore
Saltonstall. Then the army desired to storm the fort, but the
commodore refused to co-operate and threatened to recall his
marines who were on shore. Finally it was decided to send to
Boston for reinforcements. In the meantime a fortnight was used
up in desultory skirmishings, giving time for the enemy to get
assistance from Halifax, and on August 14, it was learned with
dismay that a British fleet was entering Penobscot Bay. This fleet,
commanded by Sir George Collier, proceeded at once to Castine
and poured a broadside upon Saltonstall' s fleet. Confusion at
once ensued. Most of the vessels had been pressed into service
and were commanded by their owners who desired to save their
property and who fled, some without making any resistance.
Some of the vessels ran ashore and were set on fire and aban-
doned, others were blown up with powder and some escaped up
the Penobscot, the soldiers taking to the woods. ^ A part of
them made their way with great sufiering across the country to
the Kennebec, while another party came down along the shore
through Belfast and Camden. They came into this settlement
worn out and hungry, and ravenously devoured raw green pease
and whatever came to their hands, among other things a chum of
buttermilk standing at the door of Mr. Richards' house. After
obtaining rest and refreshment here, this party, which consisted
1. Coll. of Me. His. Society, Series II, Vol. X, Page 62.
2. Soon afterwards a court of inquiry was held at Boston, and the Gen-
eral Court adjudged that " Commodore Saltonstall be incobipetent ever after
to hold a commission in the service of tlie State, and that Generals Lovell
and Wadsworth be honorably accniitted."
THE MAJORBIGUYDUCE EXPEDITION • SS
of about forty men, the most of whom Uved in this vicinity,
departed for their respective homes.
The Biguyduce disaster caused much consternation through-
out this section and along the whole coast, and it was feared that
the exuhant enemy would commit greater depredations than ever
upon our unprotected people, and even attempt to cut off the
eastern part of the state and annex it to Nova Scotia, or form it
into a separate government under a British administration. ^ This
fear led to the sending of troops to the Maine coast for its pro-
tection. There had been a force stationed at Clam Cove, under
command of Gen. George Ulmer of Lincoln ville, just prior to the
expedition to Castine. Ulmer had erected a breastwork on Pine
Hill ^ and mounted an 18-pound gun. Every vestige of this
fortification disappeared long ago, although the logs forming it
remained as late as 1837, and grape and chain shot were often
found near them. After the defeat at Castine, Camden was
looked upon as the best place on the coast for protection and
many families left ,their homes and came here. The people of
Belfast, rather than take the British oath of altegiance, evacuated
that place on Aug. IS, 1779, and came to Camden, a part
remaining here while the rest went on to Warren, Bristol, Saco
and some to New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Those who
remained in Camden found shelter principally at Clam Cove, at
the houses of Gregory, Tolman and others, at Goose River with
Mr. Thomdike and at Mr. Richards' house at the Harbor.
The force stationed at Clam Cove under Gen. Ulmer, con-
sisted of two hundred men. The barracks were situated a half-
mile back from the fort near the location of the present Hanson
Gregory house. The barracks were simjjly a temporary shed-
like structure for the protection of the soldiers, situated on the
land of Wm. Gregory, and a part of Mr. Gregory's log house was
1. See Col. Freeman's letter of Aug. 18, 17T9, to the council at Boston,
Coll. of Me. His. Society, Series II, Vol. X, Page 75.
2. Pine Hill Is a beautiful eminence near the shore just below " Oakland
Park " and is now the property of Mrs. Sallie H. Henry of Philadelphia.
56 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
occupied by the officers. Soon afterwards he gave them pos-
session of the whole house and moved into a new house he had
just completed down towards the pond. Mr. Gregory acted as
commissary, and some of the officers of the company were Lieut.
Kelloch of Warren and Capt. Blunt. There was a company of
Penobscot Indians connected with the force ^ and John Marsh of
Orono acted as interpreter, being appointed as such by the gov-
ernment, and given charge of all the Indians in the territory
between Maine and Rhode Island. His family lodged in the
barracks and amid these rude military surroundings, his son,
Benjamin, was born Oct. 29, 1780. At the same time that
Gen. Ulmer's force was stationed at Clam Cove, Lieut. Benj.
Burton with a smaller force was stationed at Camden Harbor.
When the settlers left Belfast their unripe crops were left
standing in the fields. As harvest time came on it was
thought best to undertake to gather a portion of them, so
Peletiah Corthell was despatched in a boat for that purpose.
Skirting the shore he arrived unmolested at deserted Belfast,
filled his boat with the corn of the absent farmers and returned
safely with his cargo to Camden.
Notwithstanding the forces stationed in this vicinity, British
raiders still skulked about the coast and, when opportunity offered,
committed their usual depredation on the patriotic settlers. Goose
River was unprotected by soldiers, and on the day that Sir George
CoUier's British fleet appeared in Penobscot Bay (Aug. 14, 1779),
a boat containing twelve men crept into Goose Harbor in search
of cattle, and landed near Robert Thorndike's house. Mr. Thorn-
dike and his toother, Paul, were at the time away from home,
having gone to the mill' at Westkeag (So. Thomaston.) The
first intimation that Mrs. Thorndike had of their approach was the
report of a gun near the house. Thinking that one of her sons
had been shot by the marauders, she seized her son, James, then
1. The Penoliscol. Indians in the Americans' force, perfi)rmed good ser-
vice, and were faithfnl friends, notwithstanding that the British tried liard
to corrupt them. '
THE MAJORBIGUYDUCE EXPEDITION 57
three weeks old, and awakening a daughter who was asleep, she
fled to the woods just back of the house where she remained
concealed until morning, when with rapidly beating heart, she
cautiously approached the house. To her joy she found the
house empty and its contents undisturbed. The shot had killed
a calf and the robbers doubtless thinking the noise would alarm
the men of the neighborhood, hurriedly left. A few weeks later
the name of the leader of this gang was ascertained. As usual
he was a tory, although he was not generally known to be such,
but "one night," says Fletcher in his Annals of Camden, ^ "his
toryism was all knocked out of him by 'vigilantes.'" At this
period Goose River seemed to be the favorite resort of the marau-
ders. On another occasion about the time of the one just related
a band of these robbers visited the cabin of John Harkness on
the western side of the harbor, and despoiled it of everything of
value, including his gun. Harkness was then unmarried and
occupied, his log house alone. He was a veteran of Ticonderoga
and afterwards fought at Bunker Hill. Being wounded in the
latter engagement, he came to Camden to settle. It may thus
readily be understood that he possessed a fearless nature, had no
great liking for the English enemy, and would not tamely submit
to any indignity or loss at their hands. It seems that the visitors,
after rifling Harkness' cottage, carried their plunder to their boat,
and leaving three men to guard it, went in search of other booty.
While thus guarding their ill-gotten plunder, Harkness espied
them from the opposite side of the river, and surmising what they
had done, crossed over and approached them unobserved. After
getting very near to them, he suddenly rushed out of the thicket,
unarmed as he was, leaped into the boat and secured his gun.
Cocking it, he aimed it at the men and commanded them to
stand quiet or one of them would die. Keeping his gun thus
aimed, he moved backwards into the woods and made his escape,
leaving his astonished foes to content themselves with what he
1. Printed In the Kockland Opinion in 1883-84.
58 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
had left them.
In this connection naturally comes the story of the bravery
of Elizabeth Ott, the daughter of Peter Ott, ^ whom Mr. Harkness
afterwards married. Another band of British pillagers visited the
"River" and going to Mr. Ott's tavern undertook to plunder it.
They went into the cellar and began to draw liquor from a barrel,
when Miss Ott appeared among them and indignantly exclaimed,
"Stop, you villains! Let that alone!" As they paid no attention
to her she rushed forward and pushing them to one side placed her
hand ove/the aperture to stop the flow of the liquor from the barrel.
One of the band covered her with his gun and threateiied to
shoot, but the resolute maiden was undismayed and persisted in
protecting her father's property. At last, moved with admiration
for her beauty and heroism, the plunderers desisted from their
attempt to rob and departed without harming the girl or her
father's property.
These incidents serve to acquaint us with the many hardships
and dangers with which our early settlers had to contend during
the struggle for independence and to illustrate the resolute and
heroic characters of the noble men and women who laid the
foundation upon which the grand superstructure of our free gov-
ernment has been erected.
1. Mr. ott was one of the German settlers at Broad Bay (Waldoboro), but
being dissatisfied with what he found there, he moved to Camden and took
up Lot 20. Mr. Harkness had the adjoining lots. No. 21 and No. 22. Some of
the descendants of John Harkness and Elizabeth Ott are among the leading
inhabitants of Eockport at the present lime. The name has since been
written and pronounced " Oat " by some of the family.
OTHER REVOLUTIONARY EVENTS 59
CHAPTER IX.
Other Revolutionary Events.
Among the events of the Revolution which our .early settlers
saw "and of which they were an important part," was a cruise
of Captain, afterwards Commodore, Samuel Tucker, of Marble-
head, in an American privateer on the coast of Maine, in which
Robert Thomdike of Goose River was a participant.
Com. Tucker, one of the almost forgotten heroes of the
Revolution, who lived for many years and died and was buried in
the town of Bremen in Lincoln County, was a native of Marble-
head, Mass. He was one of the most distinguished naval officers
in the history of our country and had a career never surpassed in
its romance and success. He early went to sea and as a boy
became an expert navigator. When seventeen years of age he
saved the ship in which he sailed, from two Algerine pirates that
were chasing it, after both the captain and mate had become too
frightened to navigate the vessel. Afterwards he served as mid-
shipman on an English frigate, and then commanded a merchant
ship. Being in London when the Revolutionary War began, he
was told that his most gracious majesty would give him a com-
mand in the British, navy if he would accept it, when he is said
to have exclaimed, "D his most gracious majesty! do you
think I would fight against my native country?" For this rash
speech he was obKged to conceal himself, but escaped by strate-
gem and came to America. He soon afterwards received from
60 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the Continental Congress one of the first commissions issued
authorizing the fitting out of armed vessels to prey upon the
enemy. He took command of an armed schooner and in that
and other vessels, performed services to his country on the sea
second to none of his fellow patriots. Although twice captured
and held as a prisoner of war, in both cases he soon, either' by
exchange or escape, gained his freedom, obtained command of
another vessel and again became to the British a scourge of the
ocean. So great was the confidence in which he was held by the
government, that he was selected to convey Mr. John Adams as
envoy to France, which duty he safely and successfully accom-
plished, although his departure was closely watched by several
British men-of-war and although during the voyage he was chased by
three frigates of the enemy, and engaged and captured the armed
British ship, Martha. During the war he captured sixty-two sail
of vessels, more than six hundred pieces of cannon and three
thousand prisoners. In 1792 he moved to Bristol, settling in
that part of the town that afterwards became Bremen, where he
resided until his death in 1833. ^
During one of his exciting cruises, while in the vicinity of
Blue Hill he fell in with an English East Indiaman bound from
Halifax to Biguyduce with a rich cargo of East India goods which
he took as a prize and headed for Penobscot Bay. News of the
capture reached Biguyduce and the infamous and notorious Capt.
Mowat started in pursuit of Tucker and his prize. In the mean-
time. Tucker came across a fishing craft among the islands oppo-
1. Com. Tucker's remains lie in the Bremen cemetery and the grave is
marked by a humhle slate tablet bearing the following inscription :
In memory of
COM. SAMUEL TUCKER,
who died
March 10. 1833,
A Patriot of the Ee volution.
Some exceedingly interesting articles on the life and career of this old
hero, written by Lieut. Samuel L. Miller of Waldoboro, were published in the
Lincoln County News, issues of Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and Oct, 14, 1897.
OTHER REVOLUTIONARY EVENTS 61
site Camden, on board of which was Robert Thorndike, and being
in need of a pilot he took Thorndike on board somewhat against
his wishes, to act in that capacity. The enemy gave Tucker a
close chase and fired at him, but the privateer was skillfully pilot-
ed up to New Meadows, near Harpswell, and anchored in by the
ledges beyond the reach of the British vessel, which was larger
and drew more water than the vessels pursued. Fearing to
make an attack with boats, Mowat decided to blocade the entrance
and await reinforcements. Tucker, fearing he would in the end
be captured and his prize be retaken, consuhed with his pilot
who was thoroughly acquainted with the coast and who told him
to wait until the first dark night and he would safely guide him
out. After waiting for three days the wished for storm came on,
and that night guided by the skillful hand of the pilot the Yankee
slipped quietly out past the enemy, driven through the
intense darkness by the strong northeast wind, and sailed away to
Portland. ^ The next morning Mowat ascertained that his
quarry had escaped and started, again in pursuit. He was too
late, however, and although he caught sight of the fleeing Yankee
near Cape Elizabeth, he was unable to overtake him, and soon
afterwards Tucker brought his prize safely into Salem. Thorndike
was invested with the authority of prize master and was left on
board alone, with an empty chest, with the understanding that
he might fill it with an3rthing he might find on board the prize as
compensation for his valuable services as pilot. Thinking such
an irregular method of procedure smacked of piracy, his con-
scientious scruples would not allow him to accept pay in that
manner, so the empty chest was lowered into a boat and taken
ashore. The cargo of the prize was then transported by land to
Boston, and tliere disposed of according to the usual rules of
war, and Mr. Thorndike received his proper share of the prize
money, with which, well satisfied and amply remunerated for his
1. Known as Falmouth before th e Revolution and burned by Capt. Mowat
on Oct. 18, 1775.
62 HISTORY or CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT -
time and trouble, he returned home to Camden.
Capt. Tucker did not forget the skill of his Camden pilot
and afterwards when, being in command of the famous Boston"
a sloop of war carrying thirty-six guns, he was despatched to
search for and capture Mowat, he first came to Goose River and
took Mr. Thomdike on board as pilot. He then sailed to the
eastward, but on reaching Cranberry Islands, he learned that
spies or tories had apprised Mowat of his danger and that the
British captain had hastily departed from the Maine coast. The
enemy having made his escape, the expedition was abandoned
and Thomdike again returned home.
Not long afterwards an American privateer of about forty or fifty
tons had an engagement with an English privateer of about the
same size, somewhere to the eastward of Camden. The Ameri-
can was victorious and brought her prize and prisoners into
Camden or Goose River harbor. ^ We are not informed of the
names of the two vessels, but they both showed evidence that the
fight had been a bloody and desperate one. Both decks were
covered with blood, spars were splintered with shot, and many
balls were embedded in the hulls. One of our settlers is said to
have boarded the vessels and on returning to have remarked that
the shattered and gory crafts with their wounded sailors, pre-
sented a sight that he did not care to behold again.
The winter of 1780 was one of extremely cold weather and
the harbor and bay were covered with ice for a long period.
Sometime during the previous fall, a young man by the name of
Libby, who was a resident of Warren, was taken from an Ameri-
can schooner and carried to Castine as a prisoner. Taking
advantage of the ice-bound bay, Lieut. Benj. Burton, who was
stationed at Camden Harbor, went over to Castin-e on the ice
with a flag of truce to obtain the prisoner's release, and- succeed-
1. Locke in his Sketches of the Hlstoj-y of Camden, p. 44, says they came
into Goose Elver. Fletcher in his Annals of Camden, Eockland Opinion,
issue of Nov. 9, 1883, says they came into Camden Harbor.
OTHER REVOLUTIONARY EVENTS 63
ing in his mission, returned to Camden with Libby in the same
manner.
The following year, 1781, the notorious tory, Capt. John
Long, who played such a treacherous part in the episode of the
burning of the Harbor village before related, imprudently made
his appearance at Camden Harbor, where he was captured, and,
under charge of Philip Robbins of Union, was taken to Boston as
a prisoner. Robbins' bill to meet the expense of going to Bos-
ton with Long and return, which bore date of May 1 to May 5,
1781, amounted to 128 pounds and 2 shillings, which would be
considerably over $600. This fact illustrates the great deprecia-
tion at that time of the continental paper currency. Long after-
wards escaped, but Robbins took him again and carried him
back. 1
The end of the war was now at hand and the prospect that
hostilities would soon cease and that the American colonies would
enter upon their career as a new republic, an independent mem-
ber of the great family of nations, filled the hearts of our settlers
with joy. While they were willing to continue to face danger
and sacrifice their material comfort and welfare to help on the
great cause of liberty, the long drawn out struggle had become
wearisome, and the bright dawn of peace was eagerly welcomed.
Although the death blow to British hope of subduing the col-
onies was struck at Yorktown on Oct. 19, 1781, when Comwallis
surrendered, definite action towards arranging a treaty of peace
was not taken until a year later when the commissioners of the
two nations met at Paris and on Nov. 30, 1782, signed a pre-
liminary treaty. It was April before Congress ratified the action
of its commissioners, and not until Sept. 3, 1783 that the final
treaty was signed, also at Paris, in which England acknowledged
the Independence of the United States of America. In those
days news traveled slowly, and it was several weeks later that
Camden heard the joyful tidings, that the httle settlement amid
1. Sibley's History of Union.
64 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the Penobscot mountains, was at last actually a part of the long
looked for free, untrammelled and acknowledged republic of the
new world. When the news came, however, shouts of joy and
acclamations of pleasure were heard on every hand. Guns were
fired, drums were beat, and the one eighteen-pounder at Pine
Hill thundered the glad tidings from its iron throat which, echoed
from our lofty crags, were heard by the British at Biguyduce and by
them joy;fully echoed, back again. The firing of cannon and guns
was the signal for the gathering of the clans. In Camden the
male population assembled from the Harbor, the River and the
Cove, and with officers and soldiers from the barracks, met at the
house of Robert Thorndike at Goose River. As night came on
a goodly company had assembled, too large no ' doubt, to be
accommodated within Mr. Thomdike's small house, but they
had the starry canopy above them, a free soil beneath their feet,
and they were citizens of a free and independent republic.
Walls or roof, however broad or high, would be too narrow to
bound their exhilaration or confine their joy. We are told that
when the whole company was gathered, the host called for silence
and in simple language related the details of the peace treaty,
and told of the great rejoicing in the larger centers of population
to which the news had earlier come, and invited his guests to
partake of such refreshments as his table afforded, to eat, drink
and be merry" as was the custom in those days on all festive
occasions. That they made a merry time, that they were not
backward in partaking of the food nor slow in imbibing the liquor
that was furnished for the celebration, we verily believe. That
there was indeed, a "sound of revelry by night," that toasts
were drunk and patriotic songs sung, we have no doubt. What
if they raised the ' flowing bowl," and marched with hilarity and
song around the barrel ! A victorious peace which estalslishes the
existence of a new nation, is not concluded every day and no
law or sentiment forbade what was then the universal custom at
nearly all festive gatherings, to " enkindle the feelings by pota-
OTHER REVOLUTIONARY EVENTS 65
tions from the flowing bowl." Is it to be wondered at that our
early settlers should on this occasion, if ever, indulge in the
common custom ? Says Mr. Locke in writing of this celebration,
" The actions of men are to be judged by the light of the influ-
ence with which they are surrounded, and hence, no further
apologies are here required for the way our patriot settlers gave
vent to the ebullitions of their feelings at the success of their
country's cause." A fragment of one of the songs sung upon
this occassion is given us by Fletcher ^ as follows :
"The lords of haughty Albion
May send their hordes for aye,
The venal Hesse may bargain on
And his savage slaves obey ;
Yet our fathers' sons will never swerve,
Nor "brook a tyrant's sway,
While Freedom's cause our sinews nerve.
Or there's one to shout. Huzza !
While there's left a hand to grasp a sword.
Or a voice to shout, Huzza !
While we breathe the fresh free air,
"While our thoughts may wander free,
"While our souls disdain the chain to wear.
Shall our bodies bow to thee ?
No ! "While our native sky hangs bright.
While the sun shoots down a ray.
While on our fathers' graves we fight.
We'll battle and Huzza !
We'll make the tigers' blood their grave.
Their knell our loud Huzza !"
The level sunbeams of a new day filtered through the treetops
and painted the calm waters of "Goose Harbor" with the red
streaks of the morning light, when the glasses were filled for the
last time to drink the health of the generous host, and with
three rousing cheers for their infant republic, the revelers separ-
ated and made their respective ways through the forest to their
several homes. Thus closed for the citizens of Camden, the
period of the Revolution, through whose trying scenes they had
passed with so much credit, and during which each, whenever
called to take any share in the great fight for equal rights, had in
his own humble way, acted well his part.
1. Fletcher's Annals, Rockland Opinion, issue of Nov. 16, 1883.
66 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER X.
Some Hunting Yarns and Other Incidents.
Before proceeding to record the more important events in
our history following the close of the Revolution, we will pause
and relate a few stories of the chase and other incidents connect-
ed with the early days of the plantation that have come down to
us by tradition and otherwise. Although these
" stories are old and oft been told,"
they relate to incidents entering into the lives of our early settlers
and deserve a place, we believe, in any history of the days when
our fair old town was young. Thef fathers knew nothing of
modem sports. Their time was occupied in winning the soil
from the forest, and subduing the rough, rocky, stumpy clearings.
Hard work it was, and but little time they had for play. When,
however, a day was devoted to recreation, it was not to the races
and the ball field that they hastened, but when
" The mist lias left the mountain gray
Springlets in the dawn are streaming,
Diamonds on the brake are gleaming,"
then with shouldered guns our settlers joyfully
" To the greenwood haste away,"
and scour the dim aisles of the primeval forest and the sides of
the neighboring steeps for the big game then so abundant. There
were, of course, some famous hunters in the ranks of the settlers,
and among them none was superior to James Richards, the one
who first dared to call this mountain wilderness his home. It is
HUNTING YARNS 67
said that he killed, in Camden, at least thirty bears and more than
seventy moose.
On one occasion during this early period, Mrs. Richards, late
one afternoon, heard a terrible noise upon the, mountain and run-
ning to her door, saw a desperate conflict going on between a
"ranger bear" and one of the common variety. When her hus-
band returned home, she told him of the occurrence, when he
rephed, "Well, I'll have a merry time with them in the morn-
ing." In the morning he took his gun and started for the scene
of the battle, accompanied by his little dog. On getting to the
western side of the mountain, he saw traces of blood and pro-
ceeding farther beheld a large piece of ledge covered with
clotted gore. When Mr. Richards arrived in the vicinity of the
final struggle of the hairy giants, he found that the ranger bear
■had evidently had a deadly fight with two others, both of which
he had- killed, and one of yhich he had partially devoured.
Creeping up behind a large tree, unperceived by bruin, Mr. Richards
discharged his piece at him and awaited developments. The
bullet took effect in the beast's vitals, and writhing in agony he
tore up the earth, wrenched up and broke the roots of trees, and
at last, covered with blood and foaming at the mouth, he stretched
himself out to his full length and expired. This bear was of
immense size, and one old settler, describing him years after-
wards, remarked that "one of his fore paws filled a peck measure,"
Another mighty Nimrod among the early settlers, rivalling
Mr. Richards in woodcraft, his knowledge of the haunts and
habits of the beasts of the forest, and the accuracy of his aim,
was Leonard Metcalf. Many stories are told of his hunting
exploits, all of which are interesting, although some of them may
be of somewhat doubtful authenticity. One of the most familiar
of these stories is the one which relates how Metcalf rode the
bear down the mountain. This occurrence is said to have been
in the winter of 1783-84, immediately after the close of the Rev-
olution, and is told by Locke as follows :
68 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
"Leonard Metcalf and Webber, in company with James
Richards, went one day on a moose hunt. The only gun of the
company was that carried by Richards, while the two others went
armed with a hatchet each. As the company divided, Richards
kept at the base of Mt. Battie, while the others ascended it and
kept the same course, — towards Canaan. Mr. Richards' two
dogs had scared up an old bear on the western slope of the
mountain, and after shooting it, Mr. Richards went in search
of his companions, to apprise them of his success. In the
meantime, Metcalf and Webber had found the lair, where the
two cubs of considerable size, were secreted. They tried to
ferret them out of the den by building a fire and smoking the
entrance. As one of the cubs essayed to come out, Metcalf
made a dab at it with his jack-knife. It then rushed out of the
den, when Metcalf seized it by the ears and hallooed to Webber
to come and knock it' in the head -^ith his hatchet, but through
fear he dared not approach to render assistance. Cursing Webber
for his cowardice, Metcalf jumped astride the animal, which
dashed with fright down the declivity, trying to throw off its
tenacious rider. Finally, grasping the bear's neck with
one hand, Metcalf tried to cut its throat with his knife, which he
held in the other hand, but the blade kept shutting up, so that
his attempts to despatch it were in vain. After thus riding
down nearly to the b"ase of the mountain, tearing his clothes and
scratching his legs badly by the bushes and crust of the snow,- he
was met by Richards, who quickly approached and knocked the
bear in the head with his hatchet, and thus relieved Metcalf from
his critical situation. They then returned to the den and shot
the other cub, and thus closed the exciting adventure. This
occurred on the slope of the mountain near Timothy Fay's place."
Another incident that is said to have occurred soon after the
foregoing adventure, is the following, also related by Mr. Locke :
One day Mr.Richards and Jessum Wintworth (who came from
Bristol) went on a bear hunt. The dogs ferreting out a den.
HUNTING YARNS 69
gave the alarm by barking until the men approached. Wintworth
came up to the den with his axe, and struck at the bear, but his
axe shpped out of his hands and bruin in return, struck at him,
and hitting his snowshoes, tripped him up, and was in the act of
pouncing on him when Mr. Richards rushed upon the bear,
struck it upon the head and killed it. The two cubs' then
came out of the den and were despatched likewise."
On still another occasion a bear having a white face, — the
only one so marked ever seen here, was shot by Mr. Richards
and Leonard Metcalf upon Mt. Battie.
Both Mr. Locke in his Sketches of the History of Camden
and Mr, Eaton in his Annals of Warren, ' have an account of one
Michael Davis, an old hunter formerly of Dover, N. H., whom
they call the " Leatherstocking " of the wilderness. He began
to appear in the forests in this vicinity, sometime about 1784, and
made occasional visits to the different settlements. He was a
very eccentric character, and was always clad in hunting garb and
subsisted upon the products of the chase which formed his sole
occupation. He wandered through the forests from the Kenne-
bec to the Penobscot and held no intercourse with the settlements
except an occasional visit for the purpose of exchanging his fur
for ammunition and other necessaries. The hunters often met him
in the wilderness and he frequently entertained them with such
refreshments as his camp afforded. His grotesque appearance
was rendered more marked by a flowing white beard that reached
to his waist. His behavior also was whimsical, one of his habits
being that of bowing with great reverence when favored with the
sight of bread, but whether this act proceeded from religious or
other motives, his uncommunicative and taciturn behavior ren-
dered it difficult to determine. All of these things aroused the
curiosity of the children of the settlements and his' appearances
in their midst were considered memorable events. 'When his
occasional guests appeared at his camps he proved a good enter-
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 50; Eaton's Annals o£ Warren, Page 208.
70 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
tainer, and talked socially, relating his many adventures with
apparent satisfaction, but it was evident he took the greatest
pleasure in his own society, and sighed not at the departure of
his visitors. His eccentricities were by some attributed to disap-
pointment in love, but Mr. Locke relates another rumor which
was to the effect that he became disgusted at the loss of his
property at cards, and disappeared from his home to reappear in
the wilds of Maine to spend his hfe as a hunter. The story is
that he had considerable property, principally invested in a farm.
Being at a tavern one night with some companions, engaged in a
scene of festivity, cards were introduced, and, under the influence
of strong drink, and the excitement of the game, he staked his
money and lost it. He next staked his farm which he agreed to
mortgage for ninety-nine years. His opponent won, the deed was
soon after executed and he lost his farm, thus reducing him to
poverty and leading him to forsake the society of his fellowmen.
One of his stories is that after returning from a hunting tour he
built a fire and sat down to silent meditation, when he was startled
by a piercing cry proceeding from the fire. At first he thought it
must be the foul fiend himself, but a huge tortoise crawling out
from the ashes where he had made his bed, relieved his appre-
hensions and afforded him a delicious repast. At another time
he was confined to his camp several weeks by sickness and came
near starving. During this sickness his traps were found by a
hunting party from Warren, and from their neglected appearance,
being supposed to be abandoned, were carried off. Recovering
in season, however, the owner observed the tracks of the party,
pursued them and obtained his property. One day while in the
vicinity of Thomaston, he saw a moose entrapped by a line snare.
On firing at him the bullet cut the line and the moose ran off.
The settlers at Belfast used to " thorn " him about it, when he
would retort, that "if they had their deserts they would all have
halters about their necks." He particularly disHked some of the
Belfast settlers, and when he would go there to sell moose meat
HUNTING YARNS 71
and could not do so, he would point to the harbor significantly
and say, " Yes, there's herring in the bay." With the settlers
of Camden he was generally on good terms. He often coined
words to express his ideas. One night he sheltered himself under
a fallen tree, when a moose came browsing along over him.
' Turning, he fired at the animal and broke his leg, and he said the
last he heard of him, " he was running off with a ker-shackelling
noise." His long residence in the present town of Montville,
gave that place, before it was incorporated, the name of "Davis-
town." ^ After many years spent as a hunter his range became
gradually more limited on account of the encroachments of set-
tlers, and his natural powers failing from age, he abandoned his
pursuit of game and fur, and, according to Eaton, ended his life
as a pauper supported by his fellowmen with whom he had refused
to mingle in the days of his strength. Mr. Locke, however, dis-
putes this statement and claims that he passed his last days at the
home of his son-in-law, a man by the name of Partridge, who
was a farmer living somewhere near the Penobscot river.
The "Dark Day," May 19, 1780, so celebrated throughout
New England, was in Locke's time (1859) well remembered by
some of the older citizens of Camden who were children of the
first settlers. One of these old people told Mr. Locke that the
darkness was so great in Camden that his father who was plowing
in his field, was obliged to unyoke his oxen and drive them into
the bam. In the house his mother had to light a candle. The
hens retired to roost and the domestic animals lay down to rest,
as is usual with them at night. Many people believed it was the
day of doom and were alarmed and refused to be comforted until
their fears were dispersed by the joyfully welcomed re-appearance
of the king of day.
1. Montville was described as Davlstown In all the early deeds of land
sold there by the " Twenty Associates." ^^
72 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XI.
SETTLEMENT REVIVES.
The tide of immigration to this settlement, which had ebbed
to a very low point during the war, now began to flow again, and
the few early settlers who had come to Camden prior to the Rev-
olution, began to have accessions to their ranks. Gradually the
great forest receded before the ringing axes of the sturdy pion-
eers ; one by one, the new cabin homes sprang up on shore and
hillside ; year by year the waste land, mellowed by the plow and
hoe, blossomed and brought forth fruit ; corn tasselled in the
clearings ; grain ripened in the valleys ; the millwheel turned
by the water-fall ; the keel of commerce plowed the waters of the
bay ; the merchant set up his wares ; the doctor and the lawyer
came to minister to the material and the preacher to the spiritual
needs of the growing people, and
" Health and plenty clieered the laboring swain."
Romance, too, came forth from her mountain cloisters and
shed her rose Ught over the rude scenes of those simple days.
In spite of the many hardships that the early settlers had to
endure and the dangers that beset them, especially during the
Revolution, so far as we can learn, no one died in the set-
tlement for a period of some fifteen years. What the hardships
of the forest, savage beasts and the wild scenes of war failed to
accomplish, happened amid peaceful scenes of quiet beauty
when Philip Hilt, an early settler living near Negunticook lake.
SETTLEMENT REVIVES 73
was drowned in its waters. Thus death came, also, to remind
our pioneers of the instabiUty of earthly things, and of the supre-
macy of its reign, even amid the beautiful scenery of a new
land, far from the busy haunts of men.
The ' Twenty Associates " being desirous of disposing of
their land to actual settlers, agreed with Charles Barrett of
New Ipswich, N. H., to grant to him " one half of the upper part
of Camden, as then lately surveyedi" ^ on condition that he
would settle a certain number of families in that section within a
certain specified time. At the same time they made with Bar-
rett a similar agreement, relative to what is now the town of Hope,
which was divided into 120 lots of 160 acres each. Mr. Barrett
was to build a meeting-house and school-house, and settle forty
famihes in Hope and have for his services, 80 of the 120 lots,
leaving the remaining 40 lots to the original proprietors. He
named the place Barrettstown, which name it retained until 1804
when it was incorporated as a town under the name of Hope. ^
Barrett at once proceeded to induce settlers to come to his
grant, offering in turn to give to each settler 100 acres
out of the 160 for settling each lot, with the option of purchas-
ing the remaining 60 acres, inserting, however, as a proviso in the
agreement, that every settler taking up land must, within a stipu-
lated time, clear up three acres or forfeit his claim. Among those
who were influenced by these inducements to settle in the west-
em part of Camden and in Hope, were Samuel Appleton, the
Hosmers, Hodgmans, Russells, Saffords, Barretts, Mansfields and
Philbrooks, names yet familiar in this vicinity.
Samuel Appleton became the most distinguished, perhaps,
of these settlers, but nearly all of them left memorials to be pre-
ferred above great riches, namely, good characters and reputations
for sturdy integrity and moral worth. Appleton came here from
1. The Miller survey.
2. A part of the northwestern portion of the original town of Hope was
annexed to Appleton in 1843.
74 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Boston about the year 1785 in company with several of the men
whose names we have mentioned, all young men full of life and
ambition, among them being Nathaniel Hosmer of Mason, N.
H., with whom he shared his log cabin, and later several others
who were destitute of a home, also found shelter beneath its roof
during that winter, all living as one family, while they were com-
plying with the provision in theh agreement with the proprietors,
which required them to clear three acres of land. This cabin
stood on what has since been known as the Elisha Mansfield place
now owned by Mrs. Wm. W. Justice of Philadelphia. After
remaining in Camden for a year or two, Appleton decided to
make a change and removed to Barrettstown, and took up a
claim on the proprietors' land, on what was afterwards known as
the Thomas Perry place, now owned by Mr. Perry's grandson,
Mr. Alvin Perry. This place is on the road from Hope village to
No. Appleton and now hes partly in Hope and partly in Appleton.
Mr. Appleton, however, was not satisfied with frontier Ufe. He
thought that he could find more scope for the exercise of his many
talents in the city from whence he came, and after living for
about two years in Hope, he disposed of his holdings in this
vicinity and returned to Bbston where he entered into trade and
became one of that city's most successful merchants and distin-
tinguished citizens, and after living to a ripe old age, died a
millionaire. From him the town of Appleton derived its name.
Nathaniel Hosmer, when he came here with Appleton, had
good health, strong arms-, shrewdness, common sense and excel-
lent business qualities and very little else. When he hadpaid the
expense of getting here, it was fortunate that his friend had a
shelter for him, for he had only twenty-five cents in his pocket ;
but he had just the qualities calculated to make a man successful
in winning his way in the world. He selected as his claim a lot
near the beautiful lake and grand old mountain, both of which
have ever since borne his name. After living with Appleton for a
time he went to work for a man by the name of Brooks who had
SETTLEMENT REVIVES 75
taken up a tract of land near the Carle place, and both being un-
married, boarded with the widow Hilt, whose husband had recent-
ly been drowned and who Uved near the Hope line. That
autumn he returned to his home in New Hampshire and in the
spring came back tO' Camden bringing with him his sister Annie
and accompanied by Job Hodgman who worked on his place,
while his sister acted as housekeeper. Hodgman afterwards, also
took of Mr. Barrett a claim in the same neighborhood, and hav-
ing married Annie Hosmer, also settled down to face the hardships
and reap the rewards of a pioneer's life amid the soUtary grandeur
of the hills and primeval forests of Camden. That summer Mr.
Hosmer built a frame house on his farm near where the old Hos-
mer homestead was afterwards erected, and where his family lived
for a century following. He then made another visit to his old
home for the purpose of claiming the hand of the lady of his
choice, Miss Mary Wheeler, whom he intended to install as the
presiding genius of his new home. On arriving at the home of his
affianced, he found her ready to return with him as his wife, but
an obstacle stood in the way in the strong opposition of her
mother and step-father, David Blodgett, not through any objec-
tion that they had to the young man, but because they naturally felt
■ unwilUng to have their daughter leave a comfortable home to
endure the hardships and privations of a pioneer life in a wilder-
ness, then so remote from her native town. In the meantime
they had made arrangements for the young lady to marry a young
man of means, in the neighborhood, and were urgent in their
demands that the wedding take place at once. At last, worn out
by the importunities of her suitor and the threats of her parents,
and unable to hear from her lover in the distant wilds of Maine,
she was forced to submit to the pubhcation of her marriage inten-
tion, but was the next day stricken down by a fever. For three
months she lay between life and death, but on the opening of
spring she was pronounced convalescent. Opportunely at that
time, Hosmer • returned. Learning what had happened in
76 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
his absence, he obtained an interview with his affianced, and
made arrangements to thwart the plans of her parents. The next
day the young lady went to call upon a friend, who was in the
secret, where she met her lover, who, like "young Lochinvar"
fled with her on horseback and took her to his mother's house,
where she remained until they could be married, after which she
left with her husband for his forest home. No more beautiful or
romantic spot could have been selected wherein to pursue life's
journey so romantically begun, and we feel sure that the years
spent by the hero and heroine of this story in their picturesque
home, were as happy as any enjoyed by their successors of the
present day in their more luxurious surroundings. To give this
pretty romance an appropriate ending it is only necessary to add
that the young people were forgiven by David Blodgett and his
wife, who also, soon afterwards, came here with their family and
settled near their daughter.
Mr. Blodgett, who was born in Dunstable, Mass., Dec. 16,
1744, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and a prominent
citizen of Mason, N. H., also became promineijt in town affairs
after coming to Camden, where he passed the remainder of his
life. He was one of the founders of the Congregational church,
and held various town offices. As we shall see later he served on
several important committees of the town. The most of his
descendants removed to Aroostook county.
After fifteen years of married life, Mrs. Hosmer died, and
some time later Mr. Hosmer married Miss Nancy Fay of Cam-
den. Mr. Hosmer lived many years in the old mansion, built
by him on the original farm.
Mr. Hosmer' s brother, Asa, and his two sisters, Eunice and
Tabitha, soon followed him to the new land. Immediately after-
wards came Samuel Russell and John Sartelle, probably drawn
here by the same power that had influenced Mary Wheeler to
leave her parents and friends for a strange land, for they soon
married Eunice and Tabitha and settled in the 'same iieighbor-
SETTLEMENT REVIVES 77
hood. Thus the western part of the town began to grow, but for
several yeais the settlers there were shut off from any commun-
ication with the Harbor except by a bridle path which crossed
over at "Mohneaux's" and thence came down the river to
the little growing village.
Wild beasts were still numerous in the forest and were often
seen boldly approaching the houses. On one occasion Mr. Hos-
mer was returning from a neighbor's and as he came near his
barnyard he heard the lowing of his cattle, when all at once he
was confronted with bruin, rushing from the yard with a calf in
his mouth. Before he could procure his gun the bear with its
prey had escaped into the woods.
Mr. Hosmer was an active man of affairs and left his impres-
sion upon the age and community in which he lived. He did
not confrne his endeavors to the rocky soil of his well loved farm,
but in middle life came to the Harbor and engaged in business
with Frederick Jacobs. Just before the war of 1812 they built
the schooner, Mary, and had another on the stocks, which was
burned by the British when the war broke out. After this loss he
retired once more to his lakeside farm, and engaged with his sons
in tilhng the soil. He was the father of seventeen children,
seven of them being the sons and daughters of his first wife, Mary
Wheeler, and ten of his second wife, Nancy Fay. His grandchildren
and great-grandchildren and those of his brother, Asa, still live
among us, and the name of Hosmer has ever been respected
and honored m this community. The old homestead in more
recent years became the property of the town and was used for a
time as a Town Farm, but several years ago it went into other
hands and the old house was destroyed by fire. The farm is now
owned by Mrs. Edward L. Mathews.
The Hodgman place is the one a few years ago owned by
Warren Storer and now owned by Ephraim W. Pendleton. It
is located on one of the lofty hills of that part of the town
and . commands a most magnificent view of ocean, lakes and
78 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
mountains. The descendants of the first Hodgman, too, are
among the most respected citizens of our town. One of his
sons was Gen. Amos Hale Hodgman, who was bom in the year
1792. He received his education from Dr. Patch and served
an apprenticeship at the clothier's trade with Ephraim Wood.
In 1814 he went to Warren where he carried on his trade
for awhile, but afterwards he went into other business there
and engaged largely in shipbuilding. He was a Justice of the
Peace, and in 1827 was Colonel of the 14th Regiment, being
subsequently promoted to the office of Brigadier General. He
was also a member of the Governor's Council and in 1836 was a
delegate to the convention at Baltimore that nominated Martin
Van Buren for President. He was a prominent Mason. In his
later years he retired from business and continued to reside in his
adopted town, Wairen. He was thrice married and was the
father of ten children. He died August 1, 1871.
LAST DAYS OF PLANTATION 79
CHAPTER XII
Last Days of the Plantation.
At about the same period of which we have been speaking,
the first settlements were made in that portion of the old township
that lay outside of the limits of the land of the ' ' Twenty Associates "
and which had been annexed to it from Lincolnville. ^ This sec-
tion of the town has been known as the " Harkness Survey "
from its having been surveyed by John Harkness.
Those who came earliest to this part of the town were probably
the Dillinghams and Palmers, but pthers may have come at about
the same time. The Lincoln Records of Knox County, Vols. I and
II show conveyances between the Palmers and Dillinghams of
Bristol, Maine, of land on the shore of the bay, some as early as
1782. We have not the exact date when the first settlers came
there, but it is evident that Joshua Dillingham came as early as
1782 or 1783. About 1790 his brother, Lemuel, came and
settled in the neighborhood, and a few years afterwards a younger
brother, Josiah, also came. These three brothers were the sons of
Lemuel Dillingham who moved to Bristol from Hanover, Mass.
Lemuel, the eldest, was a seaman in the Continental navy, and
received a pension in 1831. He moved from Camden to Belfast
where he died in 1845. Joshua, the second son, served as a
privateer in the Revolutionary war, and after moving to Camden
1. The present town of Lincolnville was formed of the plantations of
(';inaan and Duck Trap, and incorporated In 1802.
80 HISTORY or CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
became a prominent citizen of the town. He married Miss Marcy
Palmer by whom he had four children, Nathaniel, whom we
shall frequently meet hereafter in this history, Rachel, who married
Joseph Myrick, Sally, who died in infancy and Joshua, who removed
to Ohio where he died in 1848. Josiah, the youngest, was one of
the charter members of Amity Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M. He
was a master mariner and is said to have been lost at sea.
These early settlers took up their claims in that section,
probably under bounty land warrants as Revolutionary veterans.
Afterwards when the Waldo Patent came into the hands of Gen.
Knox, these titles had to be confirmed by deeds from the general
and Mrs. Knox, which were granted after the general moved his
family to Thomaston. ^
When the earliest of these settlers came here the road now
known as the " Belfast Road " had not been laid out and the
land was only accessible from the water. The experience of
Joshua Dillingham will illustrate how these settlers managed. Mr.
Dillingham came from Bristol in a vessel and landed on what has
since been called "Dillingham's shore." He was twenty-four
years of age and brought with him his young wife and, they lived
at first in a log cabin which he had previously erected near the
shore. This cabin stood on the land which has since been a part
of the R. D. Kent farm, and which now, by a singular coincidence,
is owned by Col. Charles Dillingham of Houston, Texas. After-
wards he built the old Dillingham homestead, up on the road,
the same being the original part of the buildings now known as
the "Sagamore Farm" buildings. Mr. Dillingham's son, Joshua,
lived in the large two-story yellow house which stood about where
the " Hill cottage" is now located, a short distance southerly of
the "Sagamore" buildings. This house is well remembered by
our older people. It finally came into the possession of Mr.
Henry Knight and was demoUshed some forty or fifty years ago.
Mr. Dillingham's son, Nathaniel, lived in the "Kent House," as
1. See Life of Heni-y Knox by Noah Brooks. Page 236.
LAST DAYS OF PLANTATION 81
it is now called, while the old Palmer place is the one now known
as " Selbourne, " owned by Mr. Harry W. Stearns. Mr. Dilling-
ham died in Camden, May 6, 1820.
Another of the earl^ citizens of Camden who deserves notice
at this time, was William Molineaux who came here from Boston
in 1786. In 1769 he had become one of the "Twenty Asso-
ciates " by purchasing the share of the company held by John
Oulton, one of the original Associates. Afterwards he purchased
large tracts of land in different parts of the township including
Beauchamp Point, a good sized section in Camden village where
the Baptist church now stands, the Ballard lot at Goose River, lots
at Clam Cove and at the outlet of Lake Megunticook. He did
not settle here permanently until a number of years afterwards,
but came here frequently to attend to his business in this locality
and go on hunting and fishing excursions. He possessed a love
for nature in her wild, rugged and picturesque aspects, which
resulted in inducing him to make his home amid the grand nat-
ural scenery of Camden, selecting as the place of his residence
an exceedingly beautiful spot at the outlet of Negunticook ^ Lake.
In writing of this. location in 1859, historian Locke says ; "The
exquisite beauty of the locality is appreciated by every enthusias-
tic lover of nature, and by the excursionist it will ever be regarded
as a charming place of resort. In front of his house at tjie outlet
of the pond (or lakelet) is a high elevation of land which divides
the course of Megunticook stream and is thus made an island.
From the rocky summit of this cliffy island can be had a fine
view of the lakelet and the meandering stream below, as well as
of the surrounding picturesque scenery. Surrounded by such a
combination of romantic, rural charms, it was but natural that
Molineaux should not only become an admirer, but a deciple of
good old Izaak Walton. The angling rod and fowling piece
1. This lake Is called Negunticook Pond on the oldest charts of Camden.
Aftei'wai'ds It became sncoesslvely, Moliueaux'sPond, Canaan Pond, Llncoln-
vlUe Pond, and Anally, Lake Megunticook.
82 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
were his principal sources of diversion, and for days at a time he
would indulge in the sports derived from them." In addition
to a house, Mr. Molineaux erected a saw-mill and grist-mill at the
water privilege at the source of Megunticook river. The last
remnant of the old mill buildings disappeared several years ago,
but the location still goes by the name of " Molineaux's Mills,"
and the dam at the outlet of the lake is still called " Molineaux's
dam," although it is now owned by the various manufacturers on
the river below and is used simply to hold back the waters of
the lake as a reservoir for the water privileges in the village.
Mr. Molineaux is said to have been possessed of consider-
able wealth. He was bom in this country and was, as his name
implies, of French extraction. It has been said that he was of
noble lineage, of the Huguenot stock, and that his ancestors were
among those who fled from the fatherland to escape persecution.
There seems, however, to be no definite information relative to
his ancestry. It seems to be certain that he was educated, re-
fined and accomplished, and possessed all the old-time grace and
charm of manner and courtly accomphshments usually ascribed to
the aristocracy of the French "old regime." Previously to com-
ing here he and his brother, John, carried on a mercantile busi-
ness in Boston where he moved in the society of the elite of his
day, and was the friend and companion of many of the leading
men of New England. In Drake's History and Antiquities of
Boston (p. 657) the name of Wm. Molineaux appears signed to
a memorial dated Dec. 19, 1760, as being one of the "principal
business men of Boston." The name also appears elsewhere in
Drake's History associated with the names of John Hancock,
Samuel Adams and James Otis. Molineaux is said to have been
of a quick and impulsive disposition, which, especially when ex-
cited by liquor, of which he sometimes partook to excess, often
led him "in his intercourse with his fellows, to use indiscreet lan-
guage and act with such impropriety as to end the affair with
deep regret," but at other times he was punctillious in the
LAST DAYS OF PLANTATION 83
observance of all the courtesies of a gentleman.^ This was illus-
trated in his conduct towards the young lad, Robert Thorndike, of
Goose River, whom he often took with him on his hunting and
fishing rambles. In speaking of these excursions in after years
Thorndike always remarked concerning Molineaux's dignity of
deportment and the gentlemanly deference with which he treated
him by always addressing him as "Master" Thorndike, while at
the same time he was always social and a pleasant companion.
Locke relates the following anecdote as characteristic of Molineaux :
" At one time while a man named Stackpole was at work for him,
he intentionally disobeyed MoUneaux's commands in several
instances and as he knew it irritated him, he again repeated the
act, when Molineaux stepped into the house, got his gun, and
loading it, rushed towards Stackpole (who was of a fearless dispo-
sition) and presented the gun at him, when Stackpole defiantly
laid bare his breast and dared him to execute his menace. Find-
ing the ruse would not accomplish the design of intimidating him,
Molineaux shouldered his gun, and with a significant look, replied,
' Lucky there were not a flock of such scamps ; if there were I
would shoot one for an example for the rest !' "
Molineaux made his permanent residence here in the year
1794, shortly prior to which date he was married. Mr. Locke
gives the following account of his end: ' About the
year 1800, ^ while Molineaux was in his canoe with a young man
fishing on the pond in sight o'f his house, the canoe capsized and
he was drowned, but the young man was saved by swimming
ashore. Molineaux was a good swimmer, but it was supposed
that his unfortunate habit had gained the ascendancy over his
strength, and thus incapacitated him to put forth proper exertion
1. Sketches of tlie Hlstoiy of Camden, p. 57.
2. Mr. Molineaux died a little later than this date, as the Lincoln Records
of Knox County show that he made conveyances of land in 1801. They also
show that his widow and administratrix, Mary Molineaux, was licensed by
court to sell his real estate Jan. 1", 1803. He probably died some time in 1802.
His grave now unmarked, is In Mountain Cemetery. His widow survived
him many years.
84 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
to save himself. His hat fitting tightly on his head, thus buoyed
him from sinking, and was the means of finding his body." ^
Until after the Revolution the Camden settlers had to get
along without a village "store," but as the place began to grow,
traders began to look upon it as a good location in which to set-
tle and in a few years several "merchants" had located here.
The first to try his fortune in business here was John Dergin, an
Irish sailor, who was cast away in the year 1783, on the island of
Grand Manan, where he was badly frost-bitten, whereby he lost
the most of his toes and became lame for Ufe. Being rescued he
went to Boston, where he fell in with another Irishman by the
name of Ward, with whom he entered into a partnership. They
turned what small effects both had into cash, and invested the
same in merchandise with which to try their fortune in traffic.
With their small stock of goods they came in a vessel to Goose
River, where they started their store in part of an unfinished
frame house belonging to Robert Thorndike. Dergin being lame,
attended to the store while Ward traveled about the country as a
"pack-peddler." This partnership lasted about nine months
when Ward went to Boston, ^ and Dergin moved to Camden
Harbor, where a store was fitted up for him by James Richards
about on the site of Carleton, Pascal & Co's store building. After
trading here for seven or eight years, carrying such goods as were
then usually found in a country variety store, he sent for his
brother to come over from Ireland to join him. The vessel on
which his brother sailed was lost with all on board. Dergin re-
mained here for two years longer, and having accumulated what
then seemed a good property, and being unmarried, and feeling
himself alone in the world, sold out his business and returned to
his native land.
The first physician who settled in town was Dr. Isaac Bar-
1. Sketches of the History of Camden, p. 59.
2. Ward became a fruit dealer in Boston, and became wealthy. Locke's
Sketches, p. 60.
LAST DAYS OF PLANTATION
85
nard who came here in 1787, married a Miss Tolman and lived
at the Harbor for some five or six years, when he moved to the
River. He did not remain long there, but being of a roving
nature he shifted from place to place, remaining but a short time
in the same town.
We have now completed the plantation history of Camden,
and before entering upon the town history it may be interesting
to note briefly some of the names that have been applied to the
different localities in and about the township.
The name Camden ■'■ was given to the township as early as
1768, in honor of Charles Pratt, then Baron, afterwards Eaxl of
Camden, ^ who was a strong parliamentary friend of the colonies
prior to and during the the Revolutionary war. When parliament
and the king proposed measures for the subjugation of the colo-
1. We fliicl it spelled Cambden (occasionally Campden)on tlieold records,
up to 1800. With tlie beginning of the new century, tire i^resent form, Cam-
den, began to be used,
2. Lord Camden's popularity in the colonies is shown by til e large num-
ber of towns named for him in various parts of the country.
86 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
nies by inciting the Indians to wage against them their inhuman
mode of warfare, Lord Camden arose in parliament, and in speak-
ing of this barbarous scheme, said: "it ought to be damned — it
holds forth a war of revenge such as Moloch in Pandemonium
advised ; and it will fix an inveterate hatred in Americans against
the very name of Englishmen, which will be left a legacy from
father to son, to the latest posterity." From such a man Camden
may well be proud to have derived its name.
The name Negunticook ^ (as the oldest charts and records
have it) or Megunticook, as it is now written, was given to this
locality, (more properly applied to Camden Harbor) by the
Tarratines. It superseded the ancient name Mecaddacut applied
to the same locality by the Wawenocks, ^ although it would seem
that the latter name was sometimes applied indiscriminately to the
whole region from Camden to Owl's Head. Mr. Sibley in his
History of Union (p. 21) has the following upon this subject:
" Bedabedec may have designated the coast and included the
Penobscot Hills and Owl's Head. When it is considered that the
Indians, giving to the consonants a soft or obscure sound, do not
enunciate them distinctly, that Smith gives the name as it sounded
to his EngHsh ears and Champlain as it sounded to the French,
it is not improbable that Bedabedec and Madambattec and
Mecaddacut are meant to represent the same Indian word.
We quote the following from Locke ^ as being of interest in
this connection.
" In the Mass. Hist. Coll. IV., p. 106, the definition of
Megunticook is given as meaning "large bay." In speaking on
the terminal syllable in this word, the late David Crockett of
Rockland, who had acquired a good knowledge of the language
of the Penobscot Indians, says that " cook" is a part of a com-
1. The form Negunticook was used until about 1794, after wliioh it was
written Meguntlcoo k .
2. Locke's Slcetolies, p. 61.
3. Locke's Sketches, p. 62.
LAST DAYS OF PLANTATION 87
pound word and means haven or harbor, and the other part of the
compound word designates something which is distinctive in the
harbor. Eaton in his Annals of Warren, p. 134, says that Megun-
ticook signifies " great swells of the sea." Francis Sogabason, an
Old Town Indian, gives the same definition, as also does Sogaba-
son Neptune. Other authorities might be cited, but these are
sufficient to establish the meaning of the word. * * * *
From a statement made by Lewis Ogier a number of years ago,
embodied in a short sketch now before us, we learn that the name
was sometimes pronounced, Mar-tac-a-ma-coose, and is thus
spelled. James Thorndike says that the first settlers and Indians
as far back as his memory goes, used to pronounce it Netuc-hama-
coose. Sogabason Neptune pronounced it Me-gun-tar-cook,
accent on the third syllable." ^
Mt. Battle used to be called McGlathry's mountain because
Capt. McGlathry once owned a larger part of it. So Mt. Megun-
ticook in the old days was often spoken of as Dillingham's moun-
tain, because Mr. Dillingham once lived near its base- and owned
a greater part of its southern side including the "Table Land."
The name Chickawaukie, now appUed to the sheet of water
formerly known as Tolman's pond, is said to signify" sweet water,"
although there seems to be no Indian authority for the same.
The other names of localities in the old township have
been mentioned elsewhere or their meanings are obvious.
1. In Sibley's History of Union, p. 4, appears the following fable relative
to the derivation of certain names in this section : " There is a tradition that
several Indians came from the east on a hnnting and fishing excursion. At
theharhorin Linoolnville they caught some ducks and called the place
Duck Trap. - They proceeded with their ducks to Camden, which they called
Me-gun-ti-cook, because there they began to cook them. On arriving at
Friendship, they broke their cooking pot and called the place Me-dun-cook.
Proceeding up the St. (Jeorges, they came to Sunnybec Pond, which they
named Sunny-bake, because Ihey were obliged to cook their fish and food in
the sun o.-j the rocks."
88 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XIII.
The Town Incorporated.
1791. In the year 1790 the population of Camden had reached
331, and its citizens believed that it had attained to a sufficient
size and importance to be under a town government and deter-
mined to apply to the next General Court for an act incorporating
the plantation "into a town." This they did the following win-
ter ; their petition was granted and the act passed on February
17th, 1791, incorporating Camden as the twenty-second town of
Maine. As was appropriate, the act of incorporation was recorded
on the first page of the first record book of the town and reads as
follows:
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
In the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and
ninety-one.
An act to incorporate the Plantation of Cambden, in the
County of Hancock into a Town by the name of Cambden.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
in the General Court assembled and by authority of the same,
that the said Plantation called Cambden, included within the fol-
lowing boundaries, viz : Beginning at a rock marked A. X. on the
seashore at the north side of Owl's Head Bay at the southeast
comer of Thomaston line ; thence running northwest by north,
seven miles, thirty-four poles, to a maple stake marked on four
sides, and pile of stones ; thence running northeast, five miles,
ninety-four poles, to a beech tree marked on four sides ; thence
running east three miles and one half and twenty poles, to a
TOWN INCORPORATED 89
spruce tree marked on four sides ; thence running southeast by
south, one mile to a & tree marked on four sides at little Duck
TraPi in' Penobscot Bay ; thence by the sea shore in a westerly
direction to the bounds first mentioned ; together with the inhab-
itants thereon, be and they hereby are incorporated into a Town
by the name of Cambden ; and that the said Town be and hereby
is, vested with all the Powers, Privileges and Immunities, which
other Towns in this Commonwealth may by law enjoy.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
Oliver Parker Esqr. of Penobscot be and hereby is empowered to
issue his warrant, directed to some principal Inhabitant of the said
Town of Cambden, requiring him to notify the Inhabitants there-
of, to meet at such time and place as he shall therein appoint, to
choose such OfKcers as Towns are by law required to choose at
their annual meeting in the month of March or April.
In-the House of Representatives, February 16th, 1791, this
bill, having had three several readings, passed to be enacted.
David Cobb, Speaker.
In Senate, February 17th, 1791, this bill having had two
several readings, passed to be enacted.
Samuel Phillips, President.
Approved, John Avery, Junr., Secretary.
As is seen from the foregoing charter Camden was then in
the County of Hancock. Since its settlement Camden has been
in four different counties. It was in Lincoln County until Han-
cock County was incorporated in 1789 when it became a part of
the latter county.^ Before the incorporation of the town our citi-
zens petitioned the General Court to be set off to Lincoln. The
General Court was at first opposed to granting this petition, but
the following year after the incorporation of the town, it was
granted and Camden again became a portion of old Lincoln
County where it remained until Waldo County was established,
1 Wlien In Hancock County our people used to attend court at Castine
rtlien a part of the town of Fenobscot) and when in Lincoln County at Wal-
doboro whlr-h was the county seat until 1800, when It was changed to Wiscas-
set When in Waldo County they had their grievances adjusted at Belfast
which was made the shire town of the county, and since the formation of
the new County of Knox, they have attended court at Rockland, which has
always been the shire town of Knox.
90 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
July 4, 1827, at which time it was made a part of the new county.
In 1860 Knox County was fonned out of a portion of Waldo and a
portion of Lincoln, since which year Camden has been in Knox
County.
Having attained the dignity to which they aspired, the vot-
ers of Camden at once proceeded to organize their new town. ^
The warrant calling the first town meeting was somewhat briefer
than the warrants of the present day, was issued by Oliver Parker,
addressed to Mr. McGlathery, who was thus shown to be a "prin-
cipal inhabitant" of the town, and reads as follows :
Hancock ss. To Mr. William McGlathry of Cambden in
said County of Hancock, and one of the Principle Inhabitants of
said Town.
Greeting — ^
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are
hereby Required forthwith to Notify and Warn the Inhabitants of
the said Town of Cambden, to Meet at the DweUing House of
Mr. Peter Ott, of said Cambden, innholder, on the forth Day of
April next, at Nine of the Clock in the forenoon to Chuse All-
Such Officers as Towns are by Law Required to Chuse at their
Annual Meeting in the Month of March or April, viz :
1. To Chuse a Moderator to Govern said Meeting.
2. To Chuse a Town Clerk for the Ensuing year.
3. To Chuse Selectmen.
4. To Chuse one or More Constables and Collectors.
5. To Chuse all such other officers for said Town as all
other Towns in said Commonwealth are by Law Empowered tp
Chuse.
6. To see which manner the Inhabitants of said Town
shall be notified and Warned at future meetings ; Do and transact
all other matters that Concern the Prudentials of said Town and
are for the Interest of the same to do.
Hereof Fail Nott and make Return of this Warrant to said
Inhabitants at said Meeting and of your Doings therein.
Dated at Penobscot this Twelfth Day of March in the year of
1. The other towns in this portion of the original Muscongus gi-ant. in-
corporated prior to the incorporation of C-imden, are as follows : Waldoboro,
1773, Warren, 1776, Thomaston, 1777, Union, 1786, Gushing, 1789.
TOWN INCORPORATED 91
our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one.
Oliver Parker,
Justice of Peace. ^
Mr. McGlathry duly notified the inhabitants as required by
the warrant, and the first town meeting was held at Mr. Ott's inn
at Goose River on April 4, 1791. The first officers' of the town
chosen at this meeting were, Wm. Gregory, Moderator ; John
" Harkness, Town Clerk ; John Harkness, First Selectman ; Wm.
Gregory, Second Selectman ; Wm. McGlathery, Third Selectman ;
Paul Thomdike, Constable ; Nathaniel Palmer, Tax Collector ;
Joseph Eaton, Treasurer ; James Richards, Robert Thomdike,
and David Nutt, Surveyors of Lumber ; Wm. Gregory, Ephraim
Gay, John Harkness, Joseph Eaton, Joshua Dillingham, Nathaniel
Hosmer and Thomas Harrup, Highway Surveyors ; David Blod-
gett, Joseph Eaton, Barak Bucklin and Thomas Mace, Tything-
men ; Peter Ott and Nath'l Palmer, Hogreeves ; David Nutt,
Sealer of Leather ; and John Harkness, Sealer of Weights and
Measures. It was voted " that the Roads shall go where they
Now Run till December ;" and future town meetings "shall be
Warned by putting up Notifications at three publick places."
After disposing of the necessary town business, they pro-
ceeded to vote for a Representative to Congress, and Governor
and Lieutenant Governor of the state. Quite different to the
elections in Camden at the the present day, there was but one
candidate for each of these offices, for whom our fathers voted,
viz: WilUam Lithgow, Esq., received 32 votes for Congressman;
and John Hancock and Samuel Adams each received 26 votes for
Governor and Lieut-Governor, respectively, after which "the
Afore Said Meeting Dissolved."
The fhst record book of the town, like all the records up to
the year of the division of the town, is in the custody of the town
of Rockport. It is in an excellent state of preservation, both as
to binding and the legibility of ifs contents. It covers the period
1, Town Eecords, Vol. I, Page 2.
92 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
from the incorporation of the town to the year 1820, and contains
nearly all the records of the town including, in addition to the
records of the town meetings, records of the laying out of roads, of
marriages, and intentions of marriage, deeds of ministerial land,
pews, etc., and of other matters now 'Usually kept in separate
books. ^ The penmanship is as a rule plain, the orthography
on the whole good, although' to some extent, especially in the
earher records, more or less anticjue, and the use of capitals some-
what erratic. Considering the greater educational advantages
enjoyed at the present day, the town records of 1791 and the
years immediately following, compare favorably in all respects,
with those of recent years.
There seemed to be a great deal of business for the town to
transact during this first year of its existence and three other
meetings were called, one in May, one in June and one in Nov-
ember. Trouble began early. The warrant for the town meeting
held in May, contained six articles, but when the freeholders
got together at the meeting they proceeded to act on some six-
teen different questions without much regard to the articles in
the warrant. This led some of the wise men of the town to
object, and the first "remonstrance" signed by citizens of Cam-
den was shortly afterwards presented to the selectmen as follows :
We the Subscribers and Freeholders of said Cambden, forbid
and Deny, you, the above Selectmen in transacting or Assessing
of any or one Rate or taxes, or acting on any other artical that Was
in your Warrant, which you acted on your Last Town meeting,
25 May, it being for several reasons, and one is for Nott having
your articles set in your Notification being Different Also which is
Not Law. -We therefore request you the said Selectmen to Call
A Town meeting Amediately according to Law to Act on the
1. The first town record book was losl many years ay o, but was found in
1897 under a lot of waste j)aper iu a long unused drawer in llie Bangor €■ urt
House, by an official and returned ' o tile town The story is that the book
was in Bangor to be used in the trial of a pauper ease in which Camden wa^i
interested, and that Camden's attorney, finding the record unfavorable to his
client, quietly slipped it under the rubbish iii the Court House drawer where
It reposed for years.
TOWN INCORPORATED 93
same Articles you acted on your Last Townmeeting or any othe;:
article you writt in your Notification, that may be beneficent to
the said Town.
Peter Ott, Jr., James Richards, John Thorndike, James
Richards, Jr., David Blodgett, Nathaniel Hosmer, Charles Demorse,
'Abraham Ogier, Samuel Jacobs, Sam'l McLaughlin, Robert
Thorndike.
A new town meeting was accordingly held in June at which
the same and other business was transacted in a business-like
manner, and to the better satisfaction of the sticklers for propriety
and legality. At this meeting among other things it was voted
to "Build a Pound on Mr. Peter Ott's Land and Mr. Peter Ott to
be Pound Keeper." It was also voted " the Pound to be 7 feet
high and tight enough to Stop Pigs a Month old, a Dore with
Iron Hinges, a lock and kee." Also it was voted that ' hoggs
may go at Large without Ringing and sheep without a Sheppard."
Under Article 12, the record says, "Voted to make a publick
Charge of All Reasonable expenses for a petition to the General
Court, Last January — 23 votes for and 15 Against getting off
from Hancock to Lincoln, — and to pay the expenses of the In-
corporation of Cambden." They also voted to accept several
roads, one leading from the Thomaston line to Clam Cove,
another from the county road near Mr. James Richards' by Mr.
Samuel Jacobs to Mr. James Simonton's, etc. The county road
above mentioned had been laid out on Nov. 10, 1790, from
Thomaston (now Rockland) to Camden Harbor, and thence to
Little Duck Trap, or across the whole length of the town from
south to north. This is the first Camden road of which there is
any record. Prior to that as well as for a long time afterwards
traveling was principally performed on foot and after a bridle path
was worn sufficiently for the purpose, short journeys were made
on horseback. Up to the laying out of the county road, ^ there
was not a passable road in Camden of the length of three miles.
1. Foi-lay outs of first roads in Camden, see Town Records, Vol. I, Pages
11-18.
94 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Ifhere had been a foot path from St. George to Sandy Point in
Prospect, which was first indicated by 'spotted trees — but there
was no road that could be traveled a series of miles in vehicles,
and even the county road laid out in 1790, was not completed
until 1797. ^ The citizens were awake to the necessity of having
more and better roads and during the first year of the town's his-
tory many roads were laid out in various parts of the town, and at
a town meeting held in November about all the business was
voting upon the question of roads, some of which were voted
down, while others were accepted.
1792. At the annual town meeting held this year on March
5, Wm. Gregory, Jr., was elected Town Clerk: Wm. Gregory,
Jr., Robert Thomdike and Samuel Jacobs, Selectmen ; and Joseph
Eaton, Treasurer. Among the minor officers we notice the fol-
lowing new names, not seen in the records of the year before :
Sedate Wadsworth, Benajah Barrows, Thomas Tibbetts, Lewis
Ogier, Lemuel Dilhngham, John Gross, John Gordon, Wm. Por-
terfield. Forty pounds were raised for highways and five pounds
as a school tax. The town then voted for state officials and there
being no opposition, John Hancock had 21 votes for Governor,
and Samuel Adams the same for Lieut. Governor.
At this time there was but one bridge in town across
the Megunticook river. At first there was a bridge formed by a
jam of logs, situated where the Knox Woolen Factory now stands.
Afterwards a bridge was built across the stream about where P. H.
Thomas' stable is now located, which this year got badly out of
repair, and at a town meeting held May 7, it was voted not to
'Repair the old bridge at Negunticook," but to build anew one ;
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 64. At the time roads were traced by spotted
trees, a stranger traveling In the winter, took supper at the house of Eobert
Thorndike, where he was urged to remain over niglit. Having urgent busi-
ness he declined the hospitality tendered him and proceeded on his way in-
tending to go towards Duck Trap. AVanderijig from his path he came into a
meadow where, benumbed with the cold, he crawled into a haystack aiid fell
into a sleep from which he never awoke. He was fouTid sitting there, in the
spring, by the settlers.
TOWN INCORPORATED 95
and at another meeting in September it was voted to raise ISO
pounds to pay for building it. This resulted in raising another
protest from voters in the other part of the town who, "feeling
themselves aggrieved and dissatisfied" at the amount raised,
which we Conceive to be a larger sum than the Nature of the
Business Requires," petitioned for another meeting to reconsider
the vote. Thus the " bridge question " which Mr. Locke truly
says has since, like then, been regarded as a " vexata quaestio,"
&st raised its disquieting countenance in a Camden town meeting.
At the subsequent meeting it was voted to reconsider the vote
to raise ISO pounds and "to put the Bridge up at vendu, which
was struck off to Capt. William McGlathry to build for twelve
pounds, ten shillings."
This bridge was below the present Main street bridge. A
road was surveyed and opened below and parallel with Main street,
which crossed this bridge not far from where the brick building
belonging to the Anchor Works, now stands, — back of the Cam-
den Grist Mill Co.'s mill.
At this time there was a law long ago out of vogue, author-
izing the selectmen to warn out of town all transient people or
new comers who had not made application to the town authorities
for the purpose of becoming permanent residents ; the object
being to prevent persons becoming chargeable as paupers to any
place. This warning was given at three different times in the
early days of Camden, ^ the first time being in 1792, and among
the people thus warned were some who afterwards, in wealth and
respectability, were among the first people of the town. There
was but one pauper in town at this time and the voters were reluc-
tant to support her, but they finally did so, by paying different
persons for her maintenance at the rate of 10 shillings per week.
At the September meeting a Representative to Congress was
voted for as follows : George Thatcher 16, Peleg Wadsworth 10,
1. See Town Kecords, Vol. I, Page 23, 28 and 29.
96 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Daniel Davis 2, William Lithgow 16. At the same meeting it
was voted to have three burial places — for the size of the home of
the dead always increases with the growth of the abode of the
living.
ANCIENT RECORDS 97
CHAPTER XIV.
EXCERPTA FROM ANCIENT RECORDS.
1793. At the annual meeting held March 4, 1793, John
Harkness was again elected Town Clerk ; the Selectmen elected
were Wm. Gregory, Jr., Samuel Jacobs and Ehsha Gibbs; and
Joseph Eaton was again made Treasurer. It is interesting to note
the names that appeared from year to year, upon the town records
of those early days. This year we find John Bowers, Josiah Greg-
ory, Bela Jacobs, Benj. Higgins, Isaac Harrington and Abram
Jones. At this meeting twenty pounds were raised for the
support of schools. At a meeting held April 1, 16 votes were
cast for John Hancock for Governor and the same number for
Samuel Adams for Lieut. Governor.
The bridge question came up again this year, but was voted
down at the first meeting. Another meeting was called within
two weeks to act on the same subject, at which it was voted " to
Discharge Capt. William McGlathry froih Building the Bridge
across the Mill Pond."
1794. At the March meeting this year the old board of
town officers — Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer — were re-elected.
William Molineaux is about the only new name appearing in the
list of minor officers elected. It is evident that the interest in
education was growing, for this year the town voted thirty pounds
for the support of schools, and a school committee was elected
for the first time, this committee being Abram Jones, Samuel
98 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
McLaughlin and William McGlathry. At a meeting in April the
selectmen were directed to "apply to the Proprietors for the
Minister Lots and School Lots in Behalf of the Town." The
first school-house in town was located on what is now the land of
the estate of Capt. Jesse F. Hosmer, at the corner of Elm and
Wood streets, ^ but we are not informed when it was built. The
first schoolmaster in town took up his duties this year. He was
Mr. Asa Hosmer, who was succeeded by Robert Porterfield and
Benj. Stetson, but the record of early educational matters in town
is exceedingly meager. At this meeting (April 7) a committee
was appointed for to Look out a meeting house Plot for to Build
a meeting House on." Some of the citizens doubtless began to
think that it was time for the town to turn its attention somewhat
to religious matters, as they were having trouble with the authorities
for a continued breach of the law then in force in the Common-
wealth providing that any town not supporting a ' Gospel minis-
ter " should be fined. Camden was indicted under this law at
about this time and a meeting was called July 3, " To see what
the town will do in Regard of an Inditement against them for
neglecting for the space of three years last past, to procure and
maintain as the Law obliges, a settled ordained Minister." At
the meeting the following action was taken: "Voted that Mr.
David Blodgett and Mr. Samuel McLaughlin be a committee to
draw a petition for to lay before the Supreme Court next to be
holden at Hallowell, against pajdng a fine for not having a Minis- '
ter for three years past.'-' ^ The contest resulted in nothing and
the town paid a fine of " 2 pounds, 14 shillings and 6 pence."
However much behind they were in religious matters they were
evidently more than a century ahead on the labor question, for at
one of their meetings this year it was voted " 8 hours to be a day's
work."
The first mention of a militia is found upon the records of,
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 69.
2. Town Records, Vol. I, Pages 46-47.
ANCrENT RECORDS ' 99
this year. The General Court-, the year before, had passed an
act for the improvement of the militia system and discipline, and
a new interest was awakened in military affairs throughout the
district and the Camden people hastened to comply with the law
by calling a meeting Aug. 28, "To see what sum of money the
Town will vote to Pay the soldiers now called for, or what the
town will act Relative thereto ;" also. To see what sum of
money the town will Vote to purchase a town stock of arms and
Ammonition, or what the town will act Relative thereto ;" and at
the meeting it was " Voted to Pay the minitmen eight Dollars a
month with the Continental Pay, for the time they are in the ser-
vice besides the Clothing." " Voted to pay the minitmen three
shillings a day for every day they train," and Voted to Rase
thirty-six Pounds for to Purchase a town stock of arms and Am-
minition." It was evidently easier for the settlers to obey the
admonition to fight than the command to pray.
The agitation of the question of separating Maine from Massa-
chusetts and forming a new state, which began in 1785, and was
then denounced as treason by Gov. Bowdoin, first reached Camden
this year, and at the August town meeting an article was inserted
in the warrant to see if the town would send a representative to
Portland " in Regard to a Separate State," but the voters were
not yet ready to secede from the mother state and it was voted
not to send a representative to Portland.
Up to this year the town meetings were all held at Peter
Ott's inn at Goose River, but at a town meeting held Nov. 3, it
was voted " to have the Town meetings half the time at Negunti-
cook for the futer."
In the warrant of one of the meetings called this year, we
find the qualifications for voters given as follows : " The free-
holders, and other inhabitants of said Town, of twenty-one years
and upwards, having a freehold estate within the Commonwealth
of the annual income of three pounds, or any estate to the value
of sixty pounds, to meet at Mr. Peter Ott's on Monday, the 7th
100 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
day of April next, at 12 of the clock at noon," etc. This limit-
ation doubtless accounts for the small size of the vote cast, which
was much less, in proportion to the population, than at the pres-
ent time.
At the state election this year Camden cast 35 votes for
Samuel Adams for Governor and the same number for Moses Gill
for Lieut. Governor.
Prior to this time the citizens of Camden had but very little mail
and no newspapers, except what might occasionally reach them
by being brought by the coasters. " The most eastern postoflSce
had been Wiscasset to which the mail from Portland was brought
twice a month. In 1793, a man by the name of Russell was
hired by private individuals to go from Castine to Wiscasset, to
carry letters and newspapers to the several towns between those
places. He went on foot once a fortnight and carried his mail at
first in a handkerchief, afterwards in saddle bags. He lived at
the Penobscot ferry, and, finding traveling agreed with him so
well, he traveled off to the western states, leaving his family
and the mail to take care of themselves. The next year in con-
sequence of a petition from the inhabitants, postmasters were
appointed, and the mail sent by the government. It was then
carried once a week on horseback." ^ Among these postoffices
one was estabhshed at Camden, and Joseph Eaton was appointed
postmaster. The postofRce was in Mr. Eaton's house on Eaton's
Point. ^ When within about half a mile of the office the postman
used to give the patrons of the office warning of his approach by
sounding a post horn. The second postmaster was John Hatha-
way and on his death his brother-in-law, Benjamin Cushing, was
1. Eaton's Annals of "Warren. Page 240.
2. Joseph Eaton's house was on the eastern bank of Camden inner har-
bor on land now owned by the Camden Yacht Building and Railway Co.
Traces of the old cellar can still be seen. "When the house stood there the
distance between It and the edge of the bank was considerable, but the ele-
ments have now worn the bank back to the old cellar itself.
ANCIENT RECORDS 101
appointed. ^ Mr. Gushing and his brother, Joseph, came to Cam-
den this year (1794) and went into trade, succeeding John Dergin.
1795. There was no change this year in the Town Clerk,
Selectmen and Treasurer elected. Some new names appear
among the minor offices, to wit : Daniel Andrews, Daniel Mans-
field, Samuel Russell, Joseph Sherman, Wm. Perry, Daniel Bar-
rett, Alfred Lindsey and Zealor Palmer. The town raised the
usual amounts for the various town expenses, and, with the indict-
ment and fine of the year before fresh in the voters' minds, voted
" to Raise thirty Pounds for the support of the Gospel for the
year ensuing." We do not know to whom the thirty pounds
were paid for preaching that year.
Once more the bridge question. A town meeting was called
directly after the annual meeting in March, " To see if the Town
will Vote to Build a Bridge over Negunticook stream whair the
Butment is Now Laid or open a Road whair the last Comi^ittee
Laid it out, or what they will do Relative thereto." At the meet-
ing it was voted to have the Road go over the Butments at
Negunticook River."
Feb. 4, 1795, the ' Twenty Associates" granted to the
town Lot No. 58 of the Fales survey for a school lot, and on March
5 following they also granted to the town Lot No. 57 for a minis-
terial lot. These were adjoining lots situated westerly of Goose
River, and just back of Mr. Ott's lot. The town thanked the
donors as -follows : " Voted the thanks of this town to the 20 Asso-
ciates, for the Ministerial Lot No. 57 and School Lot No. 58, in
Cambden, Esqr. David fails Survey." ^
Mr. Locke tells us that it was during this year that the " Old
1. The names of those who have held the ofBoe of Postmaster in Camden
are as follows: Joseph Eaton, 1794 to 1797. John Hathaway to 1799. Benj.
dishing to 1830. Joseph Hall to 183 . John Eager to 1837. Joseph Hall to
1838. B. K. Smart to 1841. Hirnni Bass to 1845. E. K. Smart to 1847. Jonathan
Huse to 1849. J. W. K. Norwood to 1853. B. J. Porter to 1861. Hiram Bass to
1876. Alrteu MjLUer, Jr., to 1883. W. B. Rich to 1886. E. C. Fletcher to 1890. F. A,
D. Singhi to 1894 Isaac Coombs to 1898. Geo. T. Hodgmau to the present
time.
2. Town Eecords, Vol. I. Pages 51-54.
102 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Foote House " was erected by John Bowers. ^ Mr. Bowers occu-
pied it for about two years as a hotel, after which it was occupied
by Ebenezer Pain in 1797 ; Philip Crocker, 1797-98, and by
Capt. Edward Payson until 1800, when he died. It was then
obtained by Erastus Foote through an execution, and while owned
by him was used as a dwelling house, tavern, etc. This house
stood until 1853, when it was torn down by Mr. Joel Thomas who
purchased the house and land. It stood in the present business
centre of Camden village and its site is now occupied by the
brick blocks, between Main and Mechanic streets. The convey-
ance of this property to Mr- Foote speaks of its being bounded by
the river,! the road and the land of James Richards, and says it
was purchased by Mr. Bowers of Joseph and Dodiphar Richards.
This year there were but two town meetings. One held at
Mr. Ott's inn at the River and the other at John Bowers' inn at the
Harbor, agreeably to the vote taken the year before.
I79(o. At the annual meeting held at Peter Ott's inn
March 7, the same Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer were
again re-elected. Some of the new names among the minor
officers are Benj. Cushing, Jeremiah Famham, Wm. Upham,
Daniel Cheny, Samuel Conklin, Thomas Nash and James
Davis. Prior to this year the amounts raised by the town
were generally given in denominations of pounds, shillings and
pence, but this year we find that the town voted to raise $500 for
highways ; 1130 for support of poor ; $130 for support of schools,
and $100 for the support of the Gospel. Yet they elected Nath'l
Hosmer, Collector, who was to collect for " one penny and three
farthings upon the Pound."
We are told by Mr. Locke ^ that the $100 raised for preach-
ing was paid to several transient religious teachers, and he men-
tions the following reverend gentlemen as being among those
who used to preach here at about this time : Elisha Snow (of St.
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 74.
2. Locke's Sketches, Page 74.
ANCIENT RECORDS 103
George), Isaac Case, Jno. Whitney, Joseph Richards (of Camden),
Baptist, Paul Coffin (of Buxton), Jno. Lathrop (of Boston), who
was an agent for the Tract Society, Phineas Pillsbury, Congrega-
tionaUst, Joshua Hall, Joshua Wells, Robt.' Yallalee, Aaron
Humphery and Ephm. Stinchfield, Methodist. ^
Following this, Mr. Locke gives an entry made in the journal
of the Rev. Paul Coffin, D. D., when at Camden, under the date
of Aug. IS. 1796, which is of interest and is as follows:
" Camden, formerly Megunticook. Squire McGlathry treated me
with true and simple politeness and hospitality. This is a place
beautiful for situation and promising for trade. The harbpr, a
mill for boards and com, on a fresh stream, and the adjacent
gently rising lands make a good appearance, and are quite con-
venient. The back country east and west, have no market but
this. One ship and a schooner have this year been launched
here, and six or seven heavy vessels are on the stocks. The
streets are beaten and worn. The place looks more like home,
and a seat of trade, than Ducktrap, Northport or Belfast. Eight
years have done all this. The Squire has sold one-fourth of an
acre of land for $100. About fifteen neat houses, some large,
with other buildings, make the appearance of a compact town.
The harbor is full of pleasant islands." ^ Thus the early wander-
ers to our town, like those of the present day, remark upon the
beauty of its situation, and are struck with its prosperity and
business activity.
This year the first library was established in town. It con-
tained 200 volumes. Pretty good for those days. It was known
as the "Federal Society's Library" and had an existence of
thirty-four years when it was closed and the books sold at auction.
1. From this it would seem that religious teachers had greatly increased
In tBls section during the preceding live or six years, for in 1790, Gen. Lincoln
writing concerning the "Religious State of tire Eastern Counties of the Dis-
trict of Maine," said, " There are not more than three ordained ministers from
Penobscot river to Passamaquoddy, an extent of more than one hundred
miles."
2. Locke's Sketches, Page 7B.
104 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROeKPORT
The election for Governor and Lieut. Governor, held April
4, resulted in 40 votes for Samuel Adams for the former office
and 39 votes for Moses Gill for the latter. Apparently one man
went home while the votes for Governor were being counted.
On Nov. 7 a town meeting was called " at the School House
Near Negunticook harbor," to see about building a meeting-
house, at which meeting it was voted " to Build a Meeting House
at the crotch of the Road on Mr. Isaac Harrington's land. Provided
that said Land is given to the Town." ^ It seems, however, that
this meeting-house was never built, the project having failed,
eithes because the land was not given or for some other cause.
1. Town Records, Vol. I, Page 68.
THE WANING CENTURY lOS
CHAPTER XV.
Events of the Waisting Century.
1797. There was a law of the Commonwealth at this
time requiring, every citizen to pay a tax for the support of the
standing religious denomination of the town in which he resided
unless the fact that he belonged to some other denomination
and contributed to the support of the same, was duly recorded in
the Town Clerk's office. Accordingly we find the following under
date of Feb. 14, 1797, recorded in the town records:
To the Inhabitants of the town of Cambden, members of the annual
meeting of said town, Gentlemen : We the subscribers, citizens
of America, willing to bair our Proportionable part of Charges for
the Support, both of Religion and Civic Government, and belong-
ing to the Denomination of Baptists, do Request of you Brethren
an Exemption from being taxed for the support of any Preacher of
the Gospel but those of our own Denomination, and for your
health and happiness as in Duty bound we shall ever pray.
Sedate Wadsworth, John Grose,
Gideon Young, William Perry,
George Robinson, Charles Demorse,
James Simonton, James Simonton, Jr.
Alexander Jameson.
Similar protests were afterwards, from time to time frequently
recorded from persons of the Baptist, Free -Will Baptist, Methodist
and Universalist denominations.
At the annual meeting, March 6, 1797, there was again no
change in the Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer. George
106 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Robinson, Joshua Dillingham and Hosea Bates, are among the
new names appearing in the hst of other officers. About the
same amounts of money were raised for the various town purposes
as in the year before.
April 3 a "legal meeting" was held at the house of Eben-
ezer Pain, innholder, at the Harbor, to vote for Governor, etc.,
when Increase Sumner had 38 votps for Governor, and Moses
Gill 34 votes for Lieut. Governor.
On May 10 a meeting was called at the same place, to vote
upon the question of separation from Massachusetts. Apparently
there had been a change of sentiment since the matter was pre-
viously voted upon, for the result of the ballot was 26 votes for
separation and 4 against it. During the autumn' of this year
the town found itself again indicted for failing to comply with the
laws of the Commonwealth, and a 'meeting was held October 2 to
raise money to purchase a town stock of powder ' ' and to
Defray the charges of two Indightments that is against the town
of Cambden, one for not having a town stock of amminition, the
other for not having good Passable Roads," and John Hathaway,
Esq., was employed to defend the town in the Lincoln County
Court.
1798. After this trouble, the perversity of the early
Camden voters is shown by the fact, that at their next annual
meeting, March S, 1798, they voted "not to Rase money to the
gospel this year." The principal officers elected this year were
the same as the year before except that Benj. Gushing was elect-
ed 3d Selectman. Joel Mansfield, Wm. Spring and Thomas
Roberts are new men among the remaining officers
elected. John Hathaway was elected one of the "hog reeves."
April 2, Increase Sumner and Moses Gill received all the votes
cast for Governor and -Lieut. Governor, the former having 30
votes and the latter 38.
May 7, a meeting convened at the house of PhiUp Crooker
at the Harbor, for the purpose of electing a Representative to the
THE WANING CENTURY 107
General Court. Camden had not elected a Representative before
this year, and the choice of a citizen for that office was doubtless
considered a momentous question. After the moderator was
elected, the meeting adjourned for half an hour to meet at Benj.
Cushing's store. The reason for the adjournment is not stated, but
it was doubtless to give the politicians a chance to talk over the
candidates, or to prevail upon some unwilling or modest candidate
to accept the office, for when they reassembled the voters elected
Samuel Jacobs their first representative.
This year the bridge question came up for its final settle-
ment. Notwithstanding that some dissatisfaction had arisen over
work done by Mr. McGlathry, (some claiming that the bridge
was too high and frail as teams made it sway when driving over
it, that it did not have a substantial railing and was unsafe, etc.)
and the town had- revoked his contract, nevertheless he seems to
have completed it, and demanded his pay, but the town voted at
the meeting held April 2, "not to pay Wm. McGlathry for the
Bridge." In the following October, however, at another meeting
the afiair was settled by the passage of the following vote : "Voted
to pay Wm. McGlathry, Esqr. for the Bridge built across Negun-
ticook stream, twenty dollars, which twenty dollars was due from
him for highway tax, provided he will give a full Discharge for sd.
bridge." It has been said that another bridge was built across
the river where the present Main street bridge stands as early as
1795. The town records, however, are so indefinite on this sub-
ject that it is impossible to be certain about it.
It was in 1798 that the first church was organized in town
by the Free Will Baptist denomination at West Camden. The
first pastor of the church was Elder John Whitney. ^
At about this time Capt. William McGlathry removed to
Winterport, (then Frankfort) and Camden lost one of its foremost
citizens. Capt. McGlathry was bom in Belfast, Ireland, and was
1. We shall in another place, give a sketch of the history of all the
churches in the original town since its incorporation.
108
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
of what is known as the Scotch-Irish stock. When a boy his
parents came to Bristol, where they settled. Later Mr. McGlathry
went to sea and rose to the command of large vessels. During
the Revolution he was in command of a vessel that was captured
by a British privateer, and three men were put on board to sail
her, as a prize, to Halifax. Capt. McGJathry, being manacled,
was placed on the quarter deck. He determined, however, to
escape if possible, and after thinking over various plans for so
doing, all of which seemed untenable, he at last thought of the
The Old McGlathry House.
following expedient : The water casks being within his reach, he
succeeded in turning the bung side down without being observed,
so that the contents ran out. -Soon afterwards the prize master
found that there was nothing on board to drink, and being un-
acquainted with the locality, began to find the necessity of having
someone besides his equally ignorant crew to guid-e him to a
watering place. McGlathry being the only one aboard who was
acquainted with the neighboring coast, was given the helm with
directions to steer to the nearest place for water. It was foggy, and
THE WANING CENTURY 109
McGlathry steered for the Maine coast, and before his captors
were aware, he had taken the vessel into Machias, where they
found the tables turned upon thetn, being captured and held as
prisoners of war by a small number of the citizens of that place.
McGlathry then took command of his vessel and sailed for home
where he safely arrived. Capt. McGlathry came to Camden soon
after the Revolution. In 1786 he bought Lot No. 75 of the
Twenty Associates." Later he bought other lots in the same
vicinity among them being a lot of Leonard Metcalf in 1793 " on
stony brook " and running back to the mountain. His land was
principally on the shore at the head of the inner harbor, crossing
the present Atlantic avenue and extending to Mt. Battle. He
erected a large colonial house on the lot where the Methodist
Episcopal church now stands, where im resided. ^ Two of his
sisters married Camden men and some of their descendants now
live in town. After removing to Frankfort he erected a large
house there which was demolished a few years ago. He was one of
the leading citizens of Frankfort for many years. He died in
1834, at the age of 85 years. He had six children, five sons
and one daughter.
1799. On' Jan. 2 of this year the members of the
Masonic fraternity in this vicinity held their first meeting in
Camden, for the purpose of instituting a new lodge. ^ They
formed a temporary organization, by making choice of the follow-
ing ofScers : Philip Ulmer, Master ; Jno. Hathaway, Secretary ;
Philip Ulmer, Thurston Whiting and George Ulmer, "a commit-
tee to address a petition to the Grand Lodge for a charter."
Four weeks later (Jan. 30, 1799) the petitioners met again and
decided to recommend that the new lodge be called "the Fed-
eral Lodge." At the same time they voted the sum of fifty
1. The McGlathry house was moved from its original location when the
Methodist church was built in 1893, to Sea street, where it Is now owned bj-
Mr. F. H. Wilbur. It is probably the oldest building in the two towns.
2. For a detailed history of Freemasonry In Camden, see Robinson's
History of Amity Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M.
110 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
dollars to pay for the charter and defray necessary expenses. For
some unknown reason the charter was not granted to the new
lodge until two years later.
This year the annual town meeting was held at the "dwel-
ling house of Capt. Edward Payson," at Camden Harbor, and the
same Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer that served the pre-
ceding year, were re-elected. Among the Highway Surveyors and
other officers we find the following new names : Simeon Hilyard,
Waterman Hewett, Elisha Gibbs, John Bucklin, Joshua Palmer,
Benj. Palmer, Winchester Famham, Ephraim Wood, John Thorn-
dike and Lewis Derry. Among the votes taken was one to raise
$60 for the '' support of gospel," and that "David Blodgett Esq.,
Joseph Gushing and Elisha Gibbs bee a committee to, hire a
minister." We find also the following : "Voted John Gregory,
Constable, to collect for nothing." It would be hard to find
a man who would be willing to do that in these modem days
of "commercialism." The state election this year was held
April 1, when there seemed to be a slight rift in the perfect
harmony that had up to that time existed in town on matters
political, for while Increase Sumner received all the votes (33)
cast for Governor, the vote for Lieut. Governor was divided
between Moses Gill, who received 11 votes and Samuel Phillips,
who received 27.
A meeting was called May 13 to elect a representative to the
General Court, but when the voters assembled, they were appar-
ently unable to find a candidate, for they voted " Not to Choose
a Representative to said Court."
From Locke's Sketches of the History of Camden (Page 78)
we take the following concerning the first meeting-house erected
in town, which was built in 1799 from contributions of private
individuals : "it was situated on the old post road exactly half a
mile from J. H. Curtis, Esq's store. ^ It had a vestibule on the
1. The location was on the northerly side ol Elm street, not far from the
corner of Park street, near where the house of the late Charles Watson now
stands.
THE WANING CENTURY 111
front end which extended to the eaves. The roof was flat, and in
the center was a belfry that rose to an altitude of about twenty
feet, and was pointed at the top. The outside was clapboarded
and painted yellow. The house was entered through the vesti-
bule, the door of which opened into the central of the three
aisles. The body of the church contained 75 pews which were
of the high, old-fashioned kind. The gallery which encircled the
room, was entered by a flight of stairs leading from the porch.
In the gallery directly in front of the pulpit, were the singing
seats. The pulpit was nearly on a line with the topping of the
gallery, thus placing the preacher in a lofty position enough to
scan the whole audience. Directly over the pulpit was a sound-
ing-board of the size and shape of a mill stone, which was sus-
pended by an inch and a half iron bar. Among the juvenile
hearers it used to tend to enforce the precepts given by the
preacher, from the fact that they (as one of them avers) used to
reverently beUeve that if 'the incumbent of the sacred desk deviat-
ed from the truth during his ministrations therefrom, said sound-
ing-board would fall upon his Jiead instanter, as a- token of
Divine disapproval. This meeting-house was used as a place of
worship until 1834, when the Congregational church was erected.
It was afterwards sold, and falling into a dilapidated condition,
was torn down about the year 1838."
This year a most promising career was blighted in the death
of John Hathaway, Esq., of typhus fever, on Oct. 6, 1799. Mr.
Hathaway was Camden's first lawyer. He was the son of Abraham
Hathaway, and was born in Wrentham, Mass. He graduated at
Brown University, and, while teaching school, studied law with
Judge BenJ. Whitman of Hanover, Mass. Soon after completing
his legal studies, he decided to come to Camden to settle, prob-
ably being induced to do so by the representations of the Cushings
who came here from Hanover two years before he did. He
came in 1796, and being well satisfied with his prospects here,,
determined to make Camden his permanent home. With this in view
112 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
he returned to Hanover, and, on Sept. 21, 1797, married Deborah,
sister of Benjamin Gushing. He had already purchased of Wm.
Molineaux, (July 5, 1797) a lot of land 20 feet long by
IS feet wide, on what is now Chestnut street, upon which he
built a small building for a law office. Through doing business
for the " Twenty Associates " he quickly became well known as a
lawyer and rose rapidly in his profession. That his talents were
appreciated by his fellow-citizens is shown by the fact that he
soon had a large practice in the courts in different parts of the
state. He" was an eloquent advocate, convincing in argument,
and always held the attention of his auditors. With a bright
mind, a sound body, a growing practice and a young wife, he
entered upon his career with the most flattering promises of a
long life of success anci happiness. The next spring after his ,
marriage he purchased another lot in the same locality upon
which he was erecting a stately residence, ^ when he was stricken
down by disease, and died at the early age of 26 years. He was
buried in Mountain cemetery and the slate colored stone at the
head of ,his grave bears the following inscription :
" How strange, O God, who reigns on high,
That I should come so far to die.
And leave my friends where I was bred.
To lay my bones with strangers' dead ;
But I have hope, when I arise, ,
To meet my God in yonder skies."
By its side stands a more modern marble slab, which tells
the sequel of this pathetic romance of our early history, for it
was erected to the memory of Deborah Hathaway, who died
March 2, 1863, aged 91 years and 10 months. For more than
63 years this stricken bride lived true to the memory of her first
love, in the house he was building when his hand refused longer
to labor, caring for their only son until he reached man's estate,
1. This house is the one known as the "Gushing Homestead," now
owned by Mrs. John Tufts, daughter of the late Hon. Edward Gushing, who was
Mrs. Hathaway's nephew. The Hathaway law office was the small hip-
roofed building which joins the southerly end of theT. H, Hunt harness shop.
THE WANING CENTURY 113
and, at the age of 23 years, was lost at sea, then bowed down by
the burden of her double sorrow, she waited through the years,
until, ia the fullness of time, the summons came for her to join
the loved ones long gone before, and to be laid in her last
resting place under the shadow of Mt. Battie where her youthful
husband had awaited her coming for so long.
114 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XVI.
Opening of the Turnpike.
1800. During the preceding decade, Camden had had an
excellent growth. Its population had much more than doubled,
the census showing that in 1800 it contained 872 souls within
its borders. Many houses and other buildings had been erected
at the Harbor, and elsewhere throughout the town. New farms
had been taken up and cleared of the forest. Gen. Knox had
taken great interest in disposing of his holdings in the northern
portion of the town. Wm. Eaton and his brother, Joseph Eaton,
Jr., had purchased of him a large tract adjoining the "Twenty-
Associates" line. Benj. Cushing had purchased a tract adjoining
the Eaton land. As has already been said Joshua and Lemuel
Dillingham and the Palmers, together with Joseph Sherman and
others, had secured large tracts farther up the shore, and the
Belfast Road" region had become a settled farming community.
The same was true of other sections of the growing town. So
large and important had Camden village become, that it was
thought worthy of being suppUed with water works, and this year
Camden's first water company was established by Micah and Will-
iam Hobbs, who came here from Princeton, Mass., April 7, 1800,
and shortly afterwards contracted with Jacob Reed to lay an aque-
duct to supply the Harbor village. The pipes were of hemlock,
spruce and cedar in sections of about ten feet in length, connect-
ed by chamfering the ends, so as to fit one into the other. The
OPENING THE TURNPIKE US
spring from which these conduits led was at the base of the
mountain, back of the present Hillyer cottage. The company
supplied several houses north of the bridge and crossed the river
near where P. H. Thomas' stable now stands, about
midway batween Main and Washington streets, thence branching
ofi to supply several houses south of the bridge. It may be well
to note here that between the years 1812 and 1818 another aque-
duct was laid from a spring in Mr. James Richards' field, supply-
ing the more southerly part of the village. Some of the old
conduits have been found as late as 1893 in making excavations
for buildings on the Bisbee block lot and elsewhere. This is
said to have been a stock company of which Mr. Reed was the
manager, and only such houses were supplied with water as com-
plied with the terms of the company.
So large, too, had become the town that it began to have the
dream that disturbed its tranquility so much in later years, viz.:
that of becoming divided into two municipalities.
The annual town meeting of "Camden" (for the first time
spelled that way on the records) was this year held on March 27,
apd for the first time since 1792, John Harkness was not elected
Town Clerk, but Moses Trussell was elected to that office ; while
Wm. Gregory, Jr., Joshua Dillingham and Benj. Cushing were
elected Selectmen, and Samuel Jacobs, Treasurer. Among the
new men elected to office were EUsh^ Snow, Tithingman, and Dr.
Joseph Huse and John Horton, Hogreeves.
At the state election on April 7, harmony still prevailed,
Caleb Strong receiving all the votes (59) for Governor and Moses
Gill all (51) for Lieut. Governor.
In the warrant calling this meeting was an article as follows :
" To see what the Town will do in regard to Setting off a part of
Camden, Joining the Northerly part of Thomaston to make another
Town." At the meeting it was voted to refer this article to a
meeting to be held in May. A committee was appointed to
make a survey, which reported to the town a dividing line begin-
1-16 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
ning on the shore between Goose River and Clam Cove and
extending to the Hope line, but at the said May meeting it was
voted "Not to Accept the Return Laid before the Town by the
Committee Respecting the Division of the Town." At the same
meeting a Representative to the General Court was elected.
"Capt. Wm. Gregory, Jr., 38 votes, Sam'l Jacobs, Esq., 52 votes
and Chosen."
The question of having a "settled minister" now began to
be seriously discussed, and a town meeting was called for Sept. 1
to be held "at the Meeting House in said Camden, near Negun-
ticook Harbour," to see, among other things, "if the Town is
Disposed to agree on the Settling of Mr. Pillsbury as a Preacher
of the Gospel in Camden, and it so agreed, then to Choose a
Committee to see on what terms he will agree on." At the
meeting a committee was chosen to confer with Mr. Pillsbury
which reported at a subsequent meeting, when the town voted
" Not to accept the Report of the Committee Respecting the
Settling of Mr. Pillsbury as a Publick Teacher." At this same
meeting it was also voted ' ' to sett off the westerly Part of the
Town to the Northerly Part of Thomaston," but nothing further
seems to have been done about it.
At about this time Dr. David Angell left Camden and settled
at North West Harbor, Deer Isle. Dr. Angell, who was a direct
descendant of Roger Williams, was born in 1770, at Providence,
R. I., where he obtained his education. He came to Camden
about the year 1795 to settle in the practice of his profession and-
remained here about five years. At that time Deer Isle
was a growing and prosperous community, and thinking to better
himself, he removed there, where he married Abigail, daughter of
Ignatius Haskell, and lived and practiced there during the re-
mainder of his life. He became an able and celebrated physi-
cian, known and employed throughout the whole Penobscot Bay
region. He died in 1843.
1801. This year the state election and the annual town
OPENING THE TURNPIKE 117
meeting came on the same day, March 6. A serious political
division now appeared in town for the first time. The Federal
party had, in the past, been adhered to by all the Camden voters.
This year, however, the Democratic party seemed to have
many adherents, and the vote resulted as follows : For Governor,
Caleb Strong, 31 votes, Elbridge Gerry, 26 votes. For Lieut.
Governor, Sam'l Phillips 35 votes, Wm. Heath 18 votes. At the
town election Moses Trussell was elected Town Clerk, William
Gregory, Jr., Samuel Jacobs and Benj. Cushing, Selectmen, and
Samuel Jacobs, Treasurer. Some new names among the other
officers were : Samuel Russell, William Eaton, John Eells, Joseph
Bailey, Abel Whitman, Stephen Frost, Andrew Elliot, Tilson
Gould, John Melvin, Jr., Belcher Sylvester and Simeon Tyler.
The small-pox broke out in the town shortly before this, and
this year we find the town instructing the Selectmen to settle the
expense of the same.
On March 10, 1801, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
issued to the petitioning Masons a charter for a new Lodge to be
located here. The name, "the Federal Lodge," selected by the
petitioners, did not appear in the charter, but in the place of it
was the name "Amity," which the Grand Lodge doubtless
thought to be more appropriate, as comporting better with the
principles and objects of the order, than the name of a political
party. April 2, 1801, the Lodge held its first meeting under its
charter at Benj. Palmer's hall ^ and made choice of officers as
follows: Geo. Ulmer, W. M., Hezekiah Prince, S. W., Samuel
Thatcher, J. W., Erastus Foote, Sec, Wm. Gregory, Sr., Treas.,
Benj. Cushing, S. D., Joshua Adams, J. D., Simeon Barrett, S. S.,
Bela Jacobs, J. S., Christopher Dailey, Tyler. On the first meet-
ing night 18 petitions for membership were received. The offi-
cers were duly installed July 30, when an address was delivered
1. Benj. Palmer's hal] was in the Inn kept by Mm, the same being a part
of what was afterwards the MeguTitloook House, and which, enlarged, is now
the Bay View House.
118 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
by Rev. Thurston Whiting of Wairen. Thus was launched old
Amity Lodge, No. 6, which is one of the strongest of the Lodges
of the state at the present day.
1802. This year the annual town meeting was held on
April 5 and the same Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer were
elected as the year before. Rather more money was raised than
had been the custom, the several amounts aggregating $2400,
divided as follows : 11200 for repair of highways; $300 for the
support of the poor ; $100 for the support of the ministry; and
$800 for the support of schools. It was voted that " two Bridges
over iSIegunticook stream and one over Goose River be built at the
Town's expense." On the same date the town voted for state
and county officers, the result being 42 votes for Caleb Strong
and 9 for Elbridge Gerry for Governor, the other candidates of
each party receiving about the same support, among them being
Henry Knox for senator, 41 votes. At a meeting held May IS,
Samuel Jacobs was again elected to represent the town in the
General Court.
This year is notable as being the year in which our now
famous ' Turnpike " had its origin in a charter, being granted by
the General Court to Daniel Barrett, to build a turnpike along the base
of Megunticook mountain from his land to Smelt Brook, a distance of
one mile. This act was passed June 23, 1802. ^ Prior to this
time the road from Camden Harbor to Lincolnville Center passed
over Megunticook mountain, from near where the "William Bar-
rett House " now stands. This road could not be traveled with a
vehicle, and was dangerous for a horse, passing as it did through
narrow defiles, over lofty cliffs and on the edges of
precipices, where a mis-step might result in the traveler's being
hurled into rocky chasms, hundreds of feet below. Those who
had to travel this way always dreaded this portion of the journey,
especially after nightfall. Yet, says Locke, ' 'its romantic picturesque-
1. Laws of the Commonwealth of Massaoliiisetts, (published in 1807) Vol.
Ill, Page 80.
OPENING THE TURNPIKE 119
ness constituted it a lovely place for the admirers of Nature, who
could there gratify their taste for the sublime and beautiful to its
fullest extent." ^ As business and travel between the two towns
increased, it became important to have an easier and safer road,
and Mr. Barrett conceived the bold plan of filling in at the foot of
the cliff against which washed the waters of Lake Megunticook,
and making a broad and passable road between the lake and the
mountain. Many difficulties were in the way of carrying out the
undertaking, but they all yielded to the intelligent and energetic
treatment of Mr. Barrett. The following interesting account of
the construction of the Turnpike is found on Page 81 of Locke's
Sketches: " The plan Mr. Barrett devised was to roll large rocks
from the mountain to make a wall, and then form the road by
filling in with debris and dirt. Every common expedient was
used in detaching rocks, undermining boulders and blasting
granite. Among the workmen employed" were four manumitted
slaves; of one of them, the following incident is related, tending
to illustrate the manner and hazardousness with which the work
was often wrought : A very large rock had been undermined and
one prop after another, which were placed under it to shore it up,
were taken away, until it rested upon one support. This stay
required to be knocked from under by a workman. The crew at
work at the time numbered about forty, but when the proposition
with a liberal offer was made them, not one was found willing to
risk his chance of life for the reward offered. The silence was
finally broken by Sambo, who stepped forward and said to Mr.
Barrett, " Massa, dare's only one ting I axk ; if I dies in the
venture just gib me a decent burryin and dat'U do." Being
thus assured, Sambo shouldered an ax and boldly marched up the
slope to the rock, watched from below by the workmen, who
observed his movements with fear, expecting to soon see him
crushed beneath the mass. Dealing a few heavy blows, the prop
soon gave way, and the rock started from its bed, when Sambo
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 80.
120 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
quickly sprang aside, and just escaped it as it went with a loud
crash down the declivity into the pond below. As the dust
cleared away Sambo was seen displaying his ivory in a broad grin,
and in great glee he cheered lustily, as the workmen beneath
sent up their hurrahs with simultaneous voice at the favorable
resuh."
It took from three to six years to complete the undertaking
and the cost is said to have been from ISOOO to $6000. The
men employed varied at different times from five to fifty, many
from Camden and Lincolnville working a certain length of time
for a perpetual free pass, while some worked for passes for limited
periods. Thus was completed the now beautiful and renowned
" Turnpike Drive." In after years, it was from time to time,
broadened and improved until it became one of the best roads in
this vicinity. The toll house and gate were opposite the WilUam
Barrett house, the toll rates being 3 cents for a foot passenger, 8
cents on horseba'ck, 12 1-2 cents horse and wagon, 17 cents,
horses and chaise, 1 cent each for sheep and swine, etc. It was
used as a toll road until 1834, when it was purchased by Ben].
Gushing and Ephraim Wood of Camden and Moses Young ,of
Lincolnville, for $300. This town became responsible for the
$200 paid by Messrs. Gushing and Wood, and Lincolnville for a
part of the $100 paid by Mr. Young. The Turnpike was an
expensive experiment fori Mr. Barrett, as he did not
collect enough to pay the interest on the money he invested, and
as it cost much to keep it in repair, it was sold for the small sum
mentioned. If he lost money in the scheme, Mr. Barrett gained
a grateful and lasting remembrance and his name will ever be
associated with one of the most beautiful spots in New England
scenery.
To the minds of those who have not visited the Turnpike
words are inadequate to give an appropriate impression of its
romantic scenery. It must be seen to be properly appreciated.
Riding along this drive the traveler sees on one hand the steep
OPENING THE TURNPIKE 121
and rocky clifE rising to a height of nearly one th.ousand feet, with
rocks and boulders of all sizes and descriptions lying at its base
as if hurled there by the hand of Jove, and Maiden Cliff standing
clear cut against the sky ; while on the other hand, lie the
spaikUng waters of Lake Megunticook, gemmed with green capes and
islets, with the western mountains rising from its opposite shores.
Grandeur and loveliness combined make the Turnpike a unique
spot in our scenery, which has been celebrated often in prose and
verse.
*' There is "beauty in the roundecl woods, darl^ with heavy foliage.
In laugliing fields and dinted hills, the valley and its lake "
At a town meeting held Sept. 21, an article in the warrant
called for a vote "to see if the Town will Agree with the Rev.
Joshua Hall to Preach with them and keep school for one year."
It seems that the Selectmen and others had requested Mr. Hall
to become the minister for this place and had made him an offer
which he had accepted. It was necessary, however, to have a
ratification of the agreement by the town, hence the foregoing
article in the warrant. At the meeting the town voted as follows :
"Voted to Rase the words (& keep School) in the Third article
in this warrant." " Voted to pass Over the Remainder of said
3d Article." This would certainly seem to have killed the
proposition to have Mr. Hall preach here, so far as the town was
concerned, but his friends insisted upon his coming, which he
did. His denomination was Methodist. He also taught school
for one season, teaching one term at the Harbor and another at
Goose River. At another meeting held Dec. 14, 1802, Joshua
Dilhngham, Sam'l Jacobs, John Harkness, Josiah Gregory, John
Preble, Banajah Barrows and Wm. Brown were chosen a commit-
tee to divide the town into school districts, and lay their plan
before the town at its next annual meeting. This was the first
step towards the formation of the old District System in town,
which continued until abolished by the Legislature a few years
ago.
122 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XVII.
THE First Settled Minister.
1803. Moses Tmssel, Town Clerk ; John Harkness,
Joshua Dillingham and Moses Trussell, Selectmen ; and Samuel
Jacobs, Treasurer, were the ofEcers elected this year at the annual
town meeting held April 4. We find the names of John Pendle-
ton, Benj. Barnes, Jr., Asa Gay, Thomas Fay, Ebenezer Start,
Abner Howe and Famham Hall appearing for the first time upon
the 'records among the minor officers elected. It was voted again
" Not to Raise any Money at all for the support of the Gospel."
It view of this it is not a source of wonder that the Rev. " Father"
Sewall, a Congregational minister, who visited Camden during this
year, should afterwards say in his memoirs, that Camden con-
tained "somewhat more than a hundred families, having a decent
meeting-house, but no church of any denomination, and only a
few scattering professors." ^ As has already been stated there
was a church organization in the town at that time, the Free- Will
Baptist, which was organized in 1798, but as this society was
located at West Camden, it probably did not come to Father
Sewall's notice.
At the state election held on this day, April 4, there was no
opposition to Caleb Strong for Governor, who received 60 votes,
but there were two candidates for some of the other offices ; for
example, the vote for Lieut. Governor being 41 for Edward H.
1. Memoirs of Eev. Jotham Sewall, Page 130.
FIRST SETTLED MINISTER 123
Robbins and 20 for James Bowdoin.
At a meeting held May 4, the voters repented of their un-
righteousness in refusing to support preaching of the Gospel, and
voted to raise ^ISO for that purpose.
At another meeting held Aug. IS, Erastus Foote, Esq., was
directed to act in behalf of the town at the Supreme Judicial
Court next to be holden at Wiscasset, "Respecting an Informa-
tion filed against said Town for Neglecting to Repair the Roads
and Bridges or Common Highways."
During this year a bridge was built across Goose River. This
bridge was situated about a quarter of a mile above the present
iron bridge, the road crossing it being used as the post road until
the year 1844.
1804. A town meeting was called this year in January, to
see, among other things, if the town would " build a Bridge over
Megunticook stream below Molineaux Mill." This seems to be
the first time that the modem form "Megunticook" is used in
the town records.
The annual town meeting and state election were held on
April 2. Caleb Strong this year had opposition in town for Gov-
ernor, receiving 5 1 votes to 44 for James Sullivan.
The Selectmen, Town Clerk and Treasurer of the year before
were re-elected, and we notice the new names of Johnson Pills-
bury, Richard Wilson, Jona. Merriam, Nath'l Martin, Isaac
Bartlett, Royal Monroe, Robert Bailey and Mather Withington,
among the remaining officers elected. A bounty of 12 cents was
voted for each crow's head brought to the selectmen if killed
within the Umits of the town, with the hope thereby to extermi-
nate those pests of the com field.
During this year definite action was for the first time taken
relative to the employment of a settled minister by the town.
The Rev. Thomas Cochran had preached here several times dur-
ing the year, and on Nov. 5, at a town meeting, the following
votes were recorded : " 1. Voted That the Town highly approves
124 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
of Mr. Cochran as a Minister of the Gospel. 2. That it is the
wish of the Town to Settle him if Terms can be agreed on to
their Mutual Satisfaction. 3. That a committee of five, viz.:
Capt. John Pendleton, Erastus Foote, Esq., David Blodgett, Esq.,
Sam'l Jacobs, Esq., Mr. Nath'l Martin, be chosen to forward a
Copy of the foregoing vote to the Rev. Mr. Cochran, and request,
an answer to know his Terms."
1805. As a result of these negotiations another meeting
was convened Feb. 11, 1805, and the following votes were
passed : "Voted to raise the sum of five hundred dollars for the
support of Mr. Thomas Cochran, if a Settled Minister in sd.
Town." " Voted that the first settled Minister in said Town
have the improvement of one-third part of the lot near Goose
River (given by the Proprietors to said town of Camden for the
use of the Ministry) as Long as he remains a Minister of said
Town." The committee already chosen was directed to notify
Mr. Cochran of these votes and give him a call. This action of
the town did not meet the approval of all the voters, and we find
Richard Wilson and eleven others, immediately petitioning for a
town meeting to reconsider the foregoing votes. The reason for
the protest was doubtless due to the fact that Mr. Cochran was a
Congregationalist and the dissenters belonged to other sects, and
wanted the money raised for support of the Gospel divided among
the preachers of the different denominations. A meeting was
called Feb. 2 1 agreeably to the foregoing request, and doubtless
our fathers had quite a lively discussion on the ministerial ques-
tion,, but when the vote was taken it resulted as follows: "50
votes for reconsidering ; 57 votes against it." So Mr. Cochran was
"called," and was ordained Sept. 11, 1805. Regarding the
ordination and other exercises of that day, we quote the following
from Locke's Sketches, Page 85: "There was an unusual stir
about town. Many had come by sea and land from not only all
the neighboring towns, but some as far as Brooksville, so it may
be seen that the occasion was regarded as a ' great day ' in this
FIRST SETTLED MINISTER 12S
section.^ Besides being a ' high day ' to the moral and religious
part of the community, it was improved by ' the baser sort ' in
horse racing, drmking, and carousing. One John N of Lin-
colnville, who was a ' Revolutioner,' made an unnatural fool of
himself by imbibing to excess, and, while endeavoring, at a pub-
lic dinner, to accompUsh the feat of a glutton, swallowed a piece
of unmasticated meat and choked to death. *****
But we will now notice the installation occasion. The church
was crowded in the pews, galleries and aisles and many were
unable to obtain admittance at all. The meeting was called to
order by making choice of Rev. Josiah Winship of Woolwich as
moderator, and Rev. Hezekiah Packard, A. M., of Wiscasset,
secretary. The following persons were then formed into a Con-
gregationalist church : Thos. Cochran, Robert Thorndike, Jos-
Eaton, David Blodgett, Lewis Ogier, Bathsheba Thorndike, Eliz-
abeth Hosmer, Lucy Eaton, Lucy Blodgett, Mary Keyes. ^ After
the church was formed, the council gave opportunity to them to
call and invite Mr. Thos. Cochran to take charge and oversight of
them in the Lord. Having examined the candidate and being
satisfied, the council proceeded to ordain him as pastor of the
church and minister of the town of Camden. The sermon
preached on the occasion by Rev. Mr. Packard, the charge by
Rev. Mr. Winship, and the hand of fellowship by Rev. Mighill
Blood, were printed in Buckstown (now Bucksport) by Wm. W.
Clapp." ^
At the state election held this year on April 1, the political
pendulum took a swing to the other side, and Caleb Strong had
1. On tlie return home of the Brooksvllle party a sad accident occurred In
the capsizing of the boat, and the drowning of Miss Nicliols, a, member of
tlie party.
2. The church celebrated the centennial anniversary of its organization
on Sept. 10, 11 and 12, 1905, with most Interesting exercises. The fine histori-
cal address on that occasion was delivered by the present pastor, Rev. Lewis
D. Evans. See Centennial First Congregational Church, Camden, Maine,
Page 27.
3. It is said that the first newspaper printed in the region of the Penob-
scot was at Buckstown. Locke's Sketches, Page 86, note.
126 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
only 54 votes for Governor, while his Democratic opponent, James
Sullivan, had 80. At the town election on the same day, Moses
Trussell was again elected Town Clerk, John Harkness, Moses
Trussell and Samuel Brown were elected Selectmen, and Joshua
Dillingham was elected Treasurer. For new names in the list of
minor ofRcers we find David and Benj. Fisk, Abraham Norwood,
Wm. Paul and Ephraim Barrett.
180(0. The political election this year again showed a
sharp division, the two parties being of nearly the same strength,
Caleb Strong receiving 78 votes for Governor, and James Sullivan
86. At the town election held the same day (April 7) we miss
for the first time a name that had always, up to this year, appeared
upon the town records, that of John Harkness, who had been a
faithful servant of the town since its incorporation, serving nearly
every year in the capacity of Town Clerk or Selectman and often
as both, besides sometimes holding other offices. This year, on
account of a serious illness, he was unable to serve in any capacity.
Moses Trussell was again elected Town Clerk. Moses Trussell,
Joshua Dillingham and Ephraim Gay were elected Selectmen, and
Samuel Jacobs was elected Treasiirer. But few new names appear
upon the records this year. This year the town was again indicted
in consequence of certain bridges being out of repair,
and Erastus Foote, Esq., was appointed to look after the matter
in the court.
About this time other religious denominations than the Con-
gregationalists began to flourish here. This year Rev-. Samuel
Bukcr preached the first Universalist sermon ever deHvered in
town. The next of that denomination to preach here is said to
be Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, afterwards editor of the "Christian Free-
man." Other transient preachers of this ^ect also preached here
and a church was shortly organized. The Free- Will Baptists had
for their preacher Rev. Ephraim Stinchfield at this time, who had
formerly been a Methodist. Among the certificates of individ-
uals recorded in the Town Clerk's office, declaring themselves
FIRST SETTLED MINISTER 127
supporters of the Free-Will Baptist preaching are those of Water-
man Hewett, John May, Joab Brown, James Keen, Wm. Spring,
Richard Wilson, Reuben Keen, Zadock Brewster, Elisha Bradford,
John Grose and Peter Barrows. At this time, also, there were the
following Quakers in town : Reuben Hussey and wife and Ephraim
Gray and wife, but there was no preaching by the Friends here for
many years.
This year Lieut. John Harkness died of cancer on May 14.
Lieut. Harkness was a native of Lunenburg, Mass., and was bom
in June, 1750. He began learning the shoemaker's trade in
New Ipswich, N. H., when eighteen years of age. Soon after
serving his apprenticeship, the war clouds of the Revolution began
to darken, and like the patriot that he was, Mr. Harkness enlisted
for the struggle as a Ueutenant in Captain Ezra Towne's company
and took part in the battles of Bunker Hill and Ticonderoga. He
was always in the thick of the battle and on one occasion he was
in such close contact with the enemy that a tow wad of a gun
lodged in his cocade hat and burned a hole in it. The hardships
of the war brought on fever and ague and greatly impaired his
health and unfitted him for further military duty. He was advised
to recruit his strength by a visit to the sea coast and embarked on
board a vessel for "Lermond's Cove," as Rockland was then
called, and in 1779 came to Camden, settling at Goose River, as
has already been related. In his biographical sketch of Lieut.
Harkness, Mr. Locke relates the following incident : "Soon after
he settled here an expedition of twenty patriots from the vicinity
of Lermond's and Clam Cove, resolved on inflicting upon Gen.
Thomas Goldthwait, a noted tory, who then resided in Hampden,
we think, due chastisement for the obnoxious manner in which he
proved his disloyalty to the American cause. Thinking favorably
of the plan proposed to get rid of the annoying Genera,l, Harkness
entered heartily into the scheme and joined the party. Approach-
ing the General's dwelling at night, they were discerned by the
inmates, consisting of the General, wife and two daughters and
128 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Archibald Bowles, his son-in-law, who at once fled to the woods
for safety. After the manner of the times of war, the house was
then ransacked of its valuables, and the cattle driven from the
barn, after which the party proceeded homeward with their spoil.
A book then obtained by Mr. Harkness, containing Gen. Goldth-
wait's autograph, is now in possession of his descendants, who
properly regard it as a choice relic. We are not aware that this
raid has been noticed in print before. For reasons quite appar-
ent, the expedition was kept a secret for some years, by those
who were engaged in it." ^ The cattle taken in this raid were
afterwards used in this vicinity for the improvement of stock.
After the close of the war, as has already been stated, Mr.
Harkness married Elizabeth Ott, by whom he had six children,
and many of their descendants live in this vicinity today. As
illustrative of Mr. Harkness' fondness for books, it is related that
after the institution of the " Federal Library," he read day and
night for a week until he had completed reading Rollins' Ancient
History. Mr. Harkness was one of the most prominent and use-
ful of the citizens of Camden of his day. His wife survived him
for more than half a century, and died Nov. 9, 1856, at the age
of 92 years.
Upon his tombstone now standing in the Rockport cemetery,
was inscribed the following quaint epitaph :
" Come, honest sexton, take thy spade,
And let my grave be quickly made.
Thou still art ready for the dead —
Like a kind host to make their bed ;
I now am come to be thy guest,
In some dark lodging give me rest,
For I am weary, full of pain ,
And of my pilgrimage complain ;
On Heaven's decree I waiting lie
And all my wishes are to die."
The children of John and Elizabeth Harkness were, John
1. Gen. Goldthwait was, prior to this incident, commandant at Fort
Point. On making his escape to the Provinces, with other Tories, at the close
of the war, his vessel was wrecked and he was lost.
FIRST SETTLED MINISTER 129
W., Mary, (who married Calvin Curtis) William, Robert, Thomas
and Eliza, (who married Silas Piper. )
1807. The state election held this year, April 6, showed
an increase b the opposition vote, Caleb Strong having 75 votes
for Governor, and James Sullivan 103. Henceforth there was to
be little more political harmony in town, party lines being strictly
drawn, and party spirit in election times usually running high.
At the town election held on this day, the Town Clerk,
Selectmen and Treasurer of the preceding year were re-elected.
We notice in the list of ofKcers elected the names of Abel
Tyler and Jonah Howe, which seem to be the only new names on
the record this year. " Mr. Isaac Harrington bid off the collec-
torship at two cents on the dollar," the same commission now
paid for collecting taxes.
At a meeting in May the town voted to pay for building two
bridges in town, ' one near Joshua Dillingham's house and the
other near Joshua Palmer's house." Also " voted to give twenty-
five cents for crows' heads." At the same meeting the incorrigible
town voted, "That Erastus Foote, Esq., be an agent to act in-
behalf of the town at the Court of Sessions, to be holden at Wis-
casset on the second Monday of May next, respecting an indict-
ment against said Town in consequence of bad Roads." In this
connection, however, it is to be noted that the tenitory of the
town was large, and the inhabitants being thinly scattered over the
whole of it, made it necessary to lay out many long roads. As
the population of the town was small, the most of the people com-
paratively poor, and the expense of keeping the roads in repair
large, it is no wonder that they were often in bad condition.
This year the question of separating from Massachusetts again
came up in Maine, and the citizens of Camden called a town
meeting to vote on the following question, viz.: " Shall the Sena-
tors and Representatives of the District of Maine make appUcation
to the Legislature for their consent to a Separation of the District
of Maine from the Commonwealth of ' Massachusetts, and that the
130 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
same may be created into a state." Like many other towns at
that time, Camden was opposed to cutting loose from the mother
commonwealth, and the proposition was overwhelmingly defeated
here, there being 7 votes for a separation and 133 votes against it.
PERIOD OF DEPRESSION 131
CHAPTER XVIII.
A PERIOD OF DEPRESSION.
1808. With this year began a period distinguished for its
embarrassed commerce, and great business depression. For sev-
eral years Napoleon had been emperor of France and had "held
all Europe trembling in his presence." England had joined the
continental powers against him and the hostilities between that
country and France had been fiercely waged. The United States
maintained a strict neutrality, and American shipping being allowed
free intercourse between English and French ports, enjoyed the
great advantages of an exceedingly profitable carrying trade
between them. From this state of affairs the coast towns of
Maine had been enjoying a period of great prosperity. Both
countries, however, at last became jealous of the United States
which was reaping so valuable a harvest from their necessities,
and notwithstanding our neutrality, each accused us of favoring
the other, and soon it became difficult for American vessels to
sail to any part of the world without being subjected to the danger
of capture by one nation or the other. Finally a British order
was issued in November, 1807, forbidding neutral nations to trade
with France without paying tribute to Great Britain. Napoleon
retaliated in the following December by issuing a decree forbid-
ding all trade with England, and authorizing the confiscation of
any vessel found in his ports, which had submitted to British
search, or paid the British tribute. The resuh of these orders
132 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
and decrees upon American foreign commerce can readily be
imagined. At this crisis, President Jefferson sent a message to
Congress, recommending the passage of an act levying a commer-
cial^ embargo, which act was passed Dec. 22, 1807. It provided
for the detention in American ports of all vessels, domestic and
foreign, and ordered all American vessels abroad to return home
forthwith, that the seamen might be trained for the war that even
then seemed inevitable.
This embargo act was exceedingly unpopular at the North,
New England being especially opposed to it because of the fatal
blow it struck to its commerce. Eaton sums up the results of the
embargo as follows : "Vessels were confined in port;, seamen
were thrown out of employment ; lumber found no sale ; timber
designed for exportation, remained upon the shores, landings or
in the holds of vessels : and a general embanassment and stagna-
tion of business ensued. The only resource of merchants was to
keep their vessels which were already abroad, from returning, and
some even ventured to get them abroad in violation of the embar-
go. The conduct of the administration was severely censured by
the Federalist party who * * * imputed to a secret partial-
ity to France, and to a jealousy in the South of the prosperity of
the northern states, a measure, which, under the pretense of
arresting foreign aggressions, only injured ourselves. The other
party, on the contrary, justified the measure as a means of coercing
England into an abandonment of her pretensions, by depriving
her of the supply of provisions, which, it was alleged, she could
obtain only from this country. It was advocated also as a means
of encouraging domestic manufactures, rendering us independent
of England and destroying the influence which she exercised by
the credit she afforded our merchants. * * * « Party spirit
acquired new virulence ; the community was thrown into a fer-
ment ; meetings were held, resolutions and petitions adopted, and
other measures, expressive of the public feeling, resorted to." ^
1. Annals of Warren, Page 281.
PERIOD OF DEPRESSION 133
Camden suSered with the other coast towns and cities and her
citizens partook of the general indignation against the embargo.
There have always been people in town who have been inclined
to rebel against constituted authority, whose acts have not met
their approval, and such people were not lacking at this time- It
is not surprising, therefore, when our shipping began to feel
the eSects of the embargo, that ship owners and traders should
be found here who would attempt to elude the vigilance of the
Custom House officials and surreptiously sail, richly laden for
foreign ports.
John Nicholson who had just gone into trade here, fitted out
a schooner for the West Indies, of which Capt. Benj. Thomas
took command. On a favorable night the captain clandestinely
slipped his moorings and shaped his course for the West Indies.
He disposed of his cargo to great advantage and returned. On
his way home, fearful of a search and seizure by the authorities,
he bored into the stanchions of the schooner, and there concealed
the proceeds of his venture. When he reached here his vessel
was searched by the Custom House officials, but nothing tangi-
ble being found to prove a breach of the embargo act, no further
action was taken.
At about the same time several Camden men jointly
fitted out a vessel for a foreign voyage. While she lay in
the harbor waiting for a favorable breeze, Collector Joseph Farley
of Waldoboro, then collector of customs for this district, heard of
the intended voyage and despatched a revenue cutter to appre-
hend the vessel. Her sails were stripped from her and a keeper
placed on board. When the sails were carried ashore, the officer
tried to get someone to take them to a place of security, but no
one could be found to do it. The story goes that Simeon Tyler,
then a lad, told his father he would get them in the night and
secrete them, which he did, hiding them in his father's cellar. In
about a week the owners of the vessel succeeded in getting sign-
ers to a bond as security against the clearance of the vessel, and
134 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the keeper was removed. The sails were then restored to the
vessel and at the first favorable breeze they were raised and the
vessel with her valuable cargo sailed away to France, where both
the cargo and vessel were sold, and the captain and crew returned
to this country in another vessel. Of course the bond was de-
faulted, but it is said that the signers proved to be irresponsible
and, therefore, no indemnity was ever obtained.
Camden was among the towns that held town meetings on
the subject of the embargo and petitioned the national authorities
to have it removed. At the same time our people felt that war
was imminent and prepared for the worst.
This year the Baptists in town had become so numerous and
were m so flourishing a condition that two churches of that de-
nomination were organized, viz : the First Baptist Church at West
Camden, and the Second Baptist Church at the Harbor.
There was no change made this year in the principal town
officers. Among the other officers we find the names of Jesse
Fay, Calvin Curtis, Bazeleel Palmer, Samuel Jones, Isaac Russ,
Robert Chase, Dr. Jacob Patch, Charles Porter, Jonas Blanden
and Moses Prescott, not before appearing. As indicating the
unsettled condition of the times, we find the following vote passed :
" Voted In addition to the Military articles with which each town
in this Commonwealth is Obliged by Law to be constantly furnished,
that the Selectmen cause forthwith to be Purchased and made into
Cartridges at the expense of the Town, good powder and balls,
Sufficient for twenty-four cartridges for each Soldier enrolled in
the Militia of sd. Town to be kept with Military stores of the Town
in safe and separate Boxes for each Company."
Notwithstanding the dislike that our people had for the
embargo act, the Democratic party still held the ascendancy here
as is shown by the state election April 4, when James Sullivan
received 96 votes for Governor, Christopher Gore, 63. As our
people felt the effect of the embargo more and more, with the
passage of time, however, there began to be a change in political
PERIOD OF DEPRESSION 135
sentiment. In September a meeting was called, at which a com-
mittee was chosen to draw a petition to the President to suspend
the embargo act. This petition as adopted . by the town is as
follows :
To the President of the United States :
The citizens and freeholders of the Town of Camden situat-
ed on the Bay of Penobscot in the District of Maine, in legal
town meeting assembled, respectfully represent.
That, influenced by patriotic desire of, subserving to the
laws and Government of their Country, they have hitherto sub-
mitted to the distress and embarrassment of the Embargo without
opposition, and still influenced by the purest motives, their great-
est sense of the love of their Country never shall be found wanting
in promoting the public safety and welfare ; but the evils we are
now experiencing and the dismal prospect before us make it, in
our opinion, a duty incumbent on us to be no longer silent. Being
thus situated in a new, rough, and in a great measure an uncul-
tured part of the Country, and depending on the fisheries and
lumber trade principally for subsistence, our fish and lumber
remaining on our hands in a perishable condition, having no mar-
ket for the one nor the other ; added to this the severe restrictions
on our coasting trade, the Embargo presses peculiarly hard on
your Petitioners, depriving them of the means of discharging their
debts with punctuahty, and of supporting themselves and families
with decency :
We now, therefore, look up to your Excellency, as our polit-
ical head, with the most satisfactory expectations that our foreign
relations have so far changed with respect to Spain and Portugal
and their dependencies, as that you can legally grant us a speedy
reUef by suspending the Act of Congress, laying an Embargo on
all the ships and vessels in the harbors of the United States, in
which, or in part, as you by your superior means of information
may judge most conducive to the welfare of our common country.
From their distress and embarrassment your Petitioners anxiously
solicit you to relieve them.
(Signed) NATH'L MARTIN, PhiNEAS BOWERS,
Samuel Jacobs, John Pendleton,
wm. parkman. ^
1. Town Kecord, Vol. I, Page 173.
136 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
This patriotic and well worded address was duly forwarded to
the President, and the prostrated business interests of Camden
waited anxiously for some relief to be granted by the government.
1S09. The national government, however, continued the
embargo and on Jan. 30, 1809, another town meeting was called
and another committee chosen to draft an address to the Massa-
chusetts Legislature, to use its influence with the general govern-
ment to remove the Embargo. This address was duly adopted by
the meeting and is as follows :
To the Hon. the Legislature of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts :
The Inhabitants of the Town of Camden in regular meeting
assembled, beg leave to represent :
In common with our fellow Citizens we have suffered and are
still suffering very severely under the operation of the several
Embargo Acts. We are wilhng to make great sacrifices and sub-
mit patiently to any privations which appear to be necessary for
thd true honor and prosperity of our country. We cannot, how-
ever, perceive and are yet to learn that the system pursued by
our General Government is likely to procure for our Country honor
abroad or safety and prosperity at home. We have, in common
with many other towns in this Commonwealth, petitioned the
President and Congress for redress of our heavy grievances, and
have seriously to lament that instead of being attended to, new
and greater restrictions are imposed, and we cannot but view with
alarm the late Act of Congress to enforce the Embargo, — an act
which, in our opinion, strikes home at the civil rights of the Peo-
ple, and threatens a total subversion of our Liberties. We are
convinced the existing Embargo Laws cannot be carried into
effect in this part of the Country except by mihtary force, and we
dread the consequences that may ensue from fire arms being put
into the hands of unprincipled men acting under the authority of
the officers of Government against the united and deliberate sen-
timents of the most respectable part of our Citizens. This being
the situation of our Country, and this our opinion respecting it,
our only hope rests in the exertion and patriotism of our State
Government, and we earnestly request your Honorable Body to
interpose in our behalf, and to take such steps as you in your
PERIOD OF DEPRESSION 137
wisdom may judge expedient in order to relieve us from our
present distress.
(Signed) PHiNEAS Bowers, Nath'l Martin,
Benj. Gushing, David Blodgett,
HosEA Bates, Jno. Pendleton,
Nath'l Hosmer, Jr. ^
It would be difficult for us at the present day, with all our
learning, to frame a petition in more forcible, adroit, and appro-
priate language.
The Embargo Act failing to obtain from England and France
any acknowledgment of American rights, thus corroborating the
judgment of the Camden petitioners, was repealed by Congress
March 9, 1809, and in place of it a law was passed forbidding all
American intercourse with England and France until their "orders"
and decrees" should be repealed. This action of Congress
came as a great relief to many of our citizens who depended for
their living either directly or indirectly upon shipping, but the
agitation due to the Embargo carried- the government of the state
back into the hands of the Federalists, in the election of Christo-
pher Gore, Governor. Camden, too, went back to its old love
and cast a majority of its votes for the Federal party, the vote
standing, (April 3, 1809), 99 for Gore and 88 for Levi Lincoln.
At the annual town election ^ the same Town Clerk, Select-
men and Treasurer were again re-elected. Among the new
names appearing upon the record as officers this year, we notice
those of Stephen Coombs, Nehemiah Porter, Isaac Orbeton, Joel
Mansfield, John Harkness, (son of the first John) and John May.
The following of our most eminent and respectable citizens
were elected "Hogreeves," who were generally elected, it is
1. Town Record, Vol. I, Page 178.
2. The town meetings this year were held at John Eager's inn, whltih
was where the Masonic Lodge held Its early meetings. The house has suc-
cessively been known as Benj. Palmer's Inn, JohJi Eager's Inn, The Megunti-
cook House, Clark's Tavern and finally, the Bay View House. It has been
enlarged and at ilie present time is greatly changed from the original Benj.
Palmer's Inn, which was a smaller structure and in which was a public hall.
138 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
said, from the newly married men : Rev. Thomas Cochran,
Arthur Pendleton, Josiah Howe, Jesse Fay, John Grose, Jr., Ed-
ward Hanford, Benj. Jones, Abraham Brown, Joseph Gordon,
Abraham Ogier, Charles Porter, Israel Thomdike, Robert Lassell,
John Gordon, Jr., Isaac Orbeton, John Eager, Peter Sanderson,
Robert Chase, William Mansfield and Isaac Bartlett. It can be
imagined with what gusto and merriment our fathers nom-
inated and elected these, for the most part, young men, including
the two ministers, Messrs. Cochran and Jones, to this ridiculous
office. ^
This year a Universalist society was organized. The mem-
bers met around at their various houses where one of the party
would read to the meeting the sermons of Ballou and Murray.
The principal members of the society at that time were Lemuel
Dillingham, Joseph Sherman, Joseph Dillingham, Simeon Tyler,
John Harkness and Benajah Barrows.
A town meeting was called for Oct. 13, "To choose a Town
Treasurer to act in Stead of the late Treasurer deceased," when
Nathaniel Dillingham was elected to that ofiice. The deceased
Treasurer was that distinguished and valuable citizen of the town
who had held that office for so many years, Samuel Jacobs, Esq.,
who departed this life Sept. S, 1809.
Mr. Jacobs was bom in Scituate, Mass., March 4, 1762, and
was a shipwright by trade. He came to Camden, according to
Locke, about the year 1792, but the Lincoln Records of Knox
County show that he bought of Wm. McGlathry on July 2, 1789,
a lot of 143 acres on the westerly shore of Camden Harbor. The
place is still known as the " Jacobs Farm," although the " Farm "
was long ago divided among a score of owners. The stately
1. The duties of a hogreeve required him to take possession of all swine
which had escaped from their enclosure, or were suffered to go nt large by
their owners without permission from the town, nnd to Impound and hold
them until the owner should pay all costs and charges of keeping. It was
doubtless considered a good joke by our forefathers to elect to that office
men of dignity and high social standing, and especially " newly married
men."
PERIOD OF DEPRESSION 139
old homestead erected by him has, within a few years, been pur-
chased by Hon. Chas. T. Gallagher of Boston, and is now occu-
pied by him as a summer residence. Mr. Jacobs was twice
married, his first wife being Margaret Stinson and his second,
Margaret McGlathry. As has been seen, he. was the first Repre-
sentative sent from Camden to the General Court, and he held
many town offices. He was also a Justice of the Peace and
Quorum. Upon his farm were situated the famous lime quarries,
now worked by the Rockland-Rockport Lime Co., on Union street
between Camden and Rockport villages, and for many years the
" Jacob Lime " has been considered about the best in the market.
Mr. Jacobs was one of the most influential men of his day in
Camden, and his name is found connected with the most impor-
tant business transacted by the town. By his second wife he had
five children, vis.: Samuel, Frederick, (who married Julia, daugh-
ter of Benj. Cushing) Bela, and Caroline, (who married Dr. J.
H. Estabrook.)
Mr. Jacobs' brother, Bela Jacobs, who was born about the
year 1770, and probably came to Camden at about the same time
that Samuel did, married Mary Eaton, one of the daughters of
Joseph Eaton, and lived in a house that stood back of where Mrs.
W. V. Famsworth's house now stands on land then belonging to
the Eaton farm. Bela was one of the charter members of Amity
Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M., and was its first Junior Steward. He
died in Camden, Jan. 22, 1822, -at the age of 57 years.
140 HISTOTIY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XIX.
Concerning military afJfairs.
1810. During the decade ending this year, the popula-
tion of the town had doubled, the census showing 1607 inhabi-
tants in 1 8 1 0. The voting population had increased proportionally.
The number of votes for Governor cast, April 2, was 213, of
which Christopher Gore received 102, and Elbridge Geiry, 111,
showing that the town had swung back to the Democratic party.
At the annual town election held the same day the same
Town Clerk and Selectmen were again re-elected, and Nathan
Brown was elected Treasurer. The names of Nehemiah Porter,
Joab Brown, Sam'l Annis, Joseph Mirick, Geo. Ulmer and Will-
iam Carleton began to appear upon the records this year.
May 2 the town elected Famham Hall Representative to
the General Court.
1811. The state election this year, held April 1, showed a
still stronger reaction toward the Democratic party, Elbridge
Gerry receiving 118 votes and Christopher Gore 68.
At the town election Calvin Curtis was elected Town Clerk,
and Farnham Hall, Samuel Brown and Robert Chase, Selectmen.
The records do not seem to state who the Treasurer was, but
Nathan Brown was probably re-elected.
The names of Joseph Jordan, Thomas Cobb, Robert Bucklin,
Wm. Spinney, Amos Foster, Simon Hunt, Jesse Whitmore,
David G. Trott, Joseph Waterman and Isaac Flagg appear among
MILITARY AFFAIRS 141
the minor officers elected. In May Famham Hall was again
elected Representative, and the town voted to give a bounty of
$10 "for each Wild Cat's Head killed in Town the present jear."
This year Major Joseph Pierce, before mentioned as being
clerk of the "Twenty Associates," and to whom the said Asso-
ciates had conveyed large tracts of land in Camden in considera-
tion of his "faithful services," came here to reside. Several
years before Mr. Isaac Harrington had started to build what was
known during the first half of the nineteenth century as the "Old
Mansion House," but before it was completed it passed into the
hands of Major Pierce and was used by him as a residence while
he remained in Camden. Major Pierce proved not to be so
"faithful" to his employers in the end, for getting badly involved
in debt and having illegally speculated in the lands of the
Twenty Associates," he decamped from Boston about the year
1816, for parts unknown, taking with him, the records of the
Company and thereby causing much vexation and trouble both to
the "Associates" and some of the settlers on their land, relative
to the titles of the same. The "Mansion House" remained one
of the landmarks of the town until 18S2, when it was destroyed
by fire. It was located on the hill on the southerly side of Elm
street, upon land now owned by Mrs. Ada B. Tremaine.
1812. We have now arrived at an important period in the
history both of this town and the nation, as this year began
the second and fortunately, the last war" between the United
States and Great Britain. The trouble between the two countries
that had been brewing for a number of years, became acute when
four seamen on board the United States frigate, Chesapeake, were
claimed as deserters from the British ship, Melampus, and on
account of their not being given up, the Chesapeake was attacked
by the British frigate. Leopard, and the four men taken by force.
This and similar acts were justified by the British under the doc-
trine maintained by them that a British subject never became an
alien and that, therefore, they had the right to take their native-
142 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
born subjects wherever found and place them in their army or
navy, even though they had become the naturalized citizens of
another country. Our government, which gives protection equally
to native and naturalized citizens, could not permit these outrages ;
besides, the British press gangs were not always particular, in
fheir anxiety to secure men for their navy, to confine their seiz-
ures to men of English nativity, but often seized~sailors of Amer-
ican birth. At last a time arrived when forbearance ceased to be
a virtue, and on the 4th of April, 1812, Congress laid another
embargo on vessels in American waters for a period of ninety
days. This embargo and the prospect of war, again resulted in
the prostration of business and cast a deep gloom over the mari-
time portion of the country, and again raised party animosity to a
fever heat. Meetings were held by one party denouncing the
war poUcy of the other, which proceedings were in turn denounced
in the meetings of the other party as unpatriotic and treasonable.
Camden shared with the other seaboard towns in this depression of
business and political ferment, but proved itSelf ready to do its
share in prosecuting the approaching conflict.
The state election in the spring of 1812 showed the Demo-
crats still in the ascendency here, Elbridge Gerry receiving 140
votes for Governor, while the Federalists cast 104 for Caleb Strong.
The record, of the town election shows a few changes in offi-
cers. Calvin Curtis was again elected Town Clerk, and Nathan
Brown, Treasurer, while the Selectmen were Joshua Dillingham,
Robert Chase and Banajah Barrows. Among ' the names not
already mentioned, appearing upon the records of this year, are,
Ira Brewster, Job Ingraham, Noah Brooks, Peter Josselyn, Eben'r
Cleveland and Joseph Trafton.
In apprehension of the coming war, the town voted, May
30, " That the Town allow the Musicians, officers and privates,
Detailed or Drafted; five dollars per month in addition to the pay
allowed by the Government, after being Called into active service."
On June 19 the President issued a proclamation formally declar-
MILITARY AFFAIRS 143
ing war against Great Britain, and on that date the war sometimes
called the " Seaman's War," but known in history as the " War
of 1812," legally began. The citizens of Camden, thoroughly
alive to the fact that their exposed situation in an unfortified coast
town made them liable to attacks from their sea-going enemy,
began at once to consider means of protection. On July 2, a few
days after the declaration of war, a town meeting was called, at
which it was voted " that a Committee of seven be chosen to
draft a memorial to be sent to the proper authority to request
some assistance for the safety of said Town against foreign inva-
sion." After choosing this committee, the following gentlemen
were chosen a "Committee of Public Safety:" Erastus Foote,
Benj. Cushing, Phineas Bowers, Nath'l Martin, Wm. Eaton,
Nath'l Hosmer, Thomas Mansfield, Daniel Mansfield, ' Nath'l
Dillingham, Wm. Gregory, Jr., John Pendleton, Charles Morse,
Hosea Bates, Wm. Porterfield, Wm. Brown, Joseph Sherman,
Sam'l McLaughlin, Calvin Curtis, John Eager, Eben'r Thomdike
and John Gregory. "Voted unanimously that every Citizen
(whether exempt from Military Duty or not) forthwith arm and
equip himself for actual service, to be ready at a moment's warn-
ing to assist in repelling foreign invasions or any other emergency
for the defense of the Town." It was also voted to purchase
fifty good muskets and other equipments for the use of those not
able to equip themselves, and on July 13 the town raised $150
to purchase ammunition in addition to the town stock required by
law.
The military spirit had for a number of years been strong in
Camden. As early as 1806 and 1807 our people seemed to have
premonitions of trouble with a foreign power and in the former
year had petitioned the General Court as follows :
To the Hon. the Senate & House of Representative of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court assembled, in the
year 1806. The undersigned Inhabitants of Camden and vicinity,
in the 4th Regt., First Brig., Eighth Division of the Militia of the
Commonwealth, beg leave to state the necessity of raising a
144 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Company of Artillery in said Regt.j Although there is the number
of Coinpanies' contemplated by law in the Brigade, having ah
extent of at least sixty miles of sea coast — To wit : From Lincoln-
ville to Wiscasset — in which are two Regiments of Militia and no
Company of Artillery. From this local situation, the raising and
disciplining of Artillery may eventually be of public utility. Your
Petitioners, with many others, some of whom are exempted
from military duty, considering the importance of a well arranged
and disciplined Militia, are anxious to be authorized by the Legis-
lature to raise another Company of Artillery within the Brigade and
Regiment aforesaid, and flatter ourselves the request of Your peti-
tioners will be more readily granted when it is understood that
such a Company may be raised without reducing the Standing
Companies below the number pointed out by law. Wherefore
your Petitioners Pray the Legislature to take the subject into con-
sideration, and authorize the raising of a Company of Artillery as
aforesaid, and make the necessary provision for Field Pieces,
Apparatus and Ordinance Stores, to enable your Petitioners to
discipline themselves in a Soldier-like manner.
(Signed) Ephraim Wood, Erastus Foote, John Harkness,
Famham Hall, Calvin Curtis, Abner Howe, Nathaniel Dillingham,
Oakes Perry, Alden Bass, William Parkman, Samuel Jacobs, Moses
Trussel, John Simonton, Noah Brooks, Jr., Jonathan Merriam, Sam'l
Jacobs, Jr., Tilson Gould, Jonah Howe, Joseph Mirick, Nathan
Brown, Simeon Tyler, Jr., Simeon Morse, Job Morse, Samuel
Tyler, Jacob Patch, Abel Brown, Benjamin Reed, Nathaniel
Hosmer, Jr., Hosea Bates, Robert Chase, A. Tyler, Joseph Sher-
man, Jr., Arthur Pendleton, Stephen Rollins, John M. Thomdike,
Ephraim Barrett, William Hewett, Dudley Tyler, Simon Barrett,
Benjamin Cushing, Eben Thomdike, Joseph Eaton, Jr., Lewis
Ogier, Joshua Palmer, B. Jacobs.
We, the undersigned Commissioned Officers of Camden,
within the before mentioned Regiment, do hereby Signify our full
appropriation of the Prayer of this Petition.
Daniel Mansfield, Capt.
Isaac Barrett, Lieut.
Samuel Jones, Ensign.
Samuel Thatcher, Esq., Lieut. Commanding, being absent,
we, the. Commanding officers of the 4th Regiment in the First
Brigade & Eighth Division of the Militia of the Commonwealth of
MILITARY AFFAIRS 145
Mass., hereby certify that in our opinion, it will be advantageous
to the Militia of this Brigade, and Regiment in particular, to
authorize the Petitioners to raise a Company of Artillery agreeably
to the Prayer of this Petition. ■ , - ,
. , Otis Roebins,
Major Compiajjding 4th Reg., 1st Brigade and 8th Div.
The following year (1807) another petitidnwas. sent to the
General. Court, asking that the petitioners be incorporated into a
Company of Light Infantry as follows r
To the Honorable, the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The undersigned
petitioners of Camden, humbly Represent that "they consider ai
certain proportion of Light Infantry as requisite to the complete
organization of every Regiment of foot in- Militia. The several
Militia laws expressly recognize this principle. Your Petitioners
would also represent, that there is but one Company of Light
Infantry in the Fourth Regiment, First Brigade and Eighth Divis-
ion, to which they belong. Your Petitioners would further repre-
sent that a Light Infantry can be. raised in Camden, and not reduce
the Militia Companies below the number required by law. Thfey
therefore, humbly pray your Honors, to incorporate your petition-
ers and their associates ujto a company of Light Infantry, and so
in duty bound will ever pray.
Camden, April 21st, 1807.
(Signed) Tilson Gould, Robert Chase, John Eells, Farnham
Hall, William Brown, Jr., Alden Bass, Stephen Rollins, Amos
Foster, Jojiathan Merriam, JDavid Rollins, William Caileton, Benj.
Bums, Simeon Morse, Jno., Bowers, Jr., Eleazer Hart, Eben
Thomdike, Israel Thomdike, Joseph. W. Thomdike„ Ephraim
Barrett, Abel Tyler, Royal Mqnro, Abram Ogier, Arthur Pendle-
ton, Samuel Jones, Eben Hobbs, Luther Blddgett, George Start,
Eben Goodnow, Asa Hosmer, Joseph Mirick, Nathaniel Dilling-
ham, Abel Brown-,, John Harkness, Dudley Tyler, Oakes Perry,
Royal Prescott, Hosea Bates, Nathaniel Withington, William
Brown, Jacob Read, Noah Brooks, Abner Howe, Simeon Foster,
Jr., Calvin Curtis, Samuel Richards, Joseph Bowers.
We, the undersigned Field Officers of the within mentioned
Regiment, do hereby signify our full approbation of the prayer of
146 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
this petition.
JOSHUA ADAMS, Major,
Samuel Thatcher,
Lt. Col. Commanding 4th Reg., 1st Brig., 8th Reg. ^
We understand that the prayers of both the above petitions
were granted and the companies formed. And thus, by drilling
these and the regular militia companies, did our fathers "in time
of peace prepare for war," and put themselves in readiness for the
exciting and important events in which they were about to participate.
Prior to the year 1812, the militia of Massachusetts consisted
of eleven divisions, four of which were in Maine. The different
companies had been arranged into brigades called the 1st and 2d
Brigades. Hon. William King of Bath was chosen Major General
of the divisions in Maine. Feb. 12, 1812, a new arrangement
was made by creating a fifth regiment, which was composed of
three companies in Camden, two companies in Thomaston, one
company in St. George, and two companies in Hope and Apple-
ton, and was annexed to the 2d Brigade and 1 1th Division of the
miUtia. This division was made out of Lieut. Col. Sam'l Thatcher's
third regiment, which then left under his command, two com-
panies in Warren, two in Union and one in each of the 'towns of
Gushing, Friendship and Putnam. ^
After the declaration of war on Aug. 4, 1812, Wm. Carleton
of Camden, Adjutant of the Sth Regiment, 2d Brigade, 11th
Division, issued a Regimental Order, calling upon the Military
and Light Infantry Companies of Camden, Hope, Thomaston and
St. George tp assemble at places designated ' in their respective
towns, between the 17th and 19th days of August "armed and
equipped, as the law directs," prepared to fill all the vacancies
of officers, and parade on the occasion. Pursuant to this notice,
the Camden companies met at John Eager's tavern on the 17th
1. These petitions were copied from the records of the Legislature of
Massachusetts hy N. C. Fletcher and printed in Chap. XXIV of his Annals of
Camden, Rockland Opinion, issue of February, 8, 1884.
2. Washington.
MILITARY AFFAIRS 147
where vacaneies were filled, and the troops inspeqted and paraded.
The companies present were Calvin Curtis' ^ Light Infantry, the
1st Infantry (which had a captain's vacancy to fill to which Asha
Palmer was elected) and Capt. Wm. Brown's 2d Infantry. ^ But
the above were not the only companies ready to engage in the
conflict when called to do so. Soon after war was declared, Lieut.
Isaac Russ raised a company of volunteers in Camden and adjac-
ent towns, which numbered about 70, a quarter of them belong-
ing in Camden. John Spear of Thomaston was captain of this
new company ; Isaac Russ of Camden, 1st Lient. ; Leonard
Smith of Camden, 2d Lieut. ; Thomas Tolman of Thomaston,
ensign. Asa Richards and Asa Sartelle are mentioned as being
among the Camden members of the company. This comply
was stationed in St. George during the following winter and in March
sailed for Castine, where they were joined by a Montville com-
pany under Col. Cummings. From Castine they sailed to Machias
and on the passage thither saw the Rattler, a British ship of 20
guns, which was lying in wait for them near the Machias river.
Keeping close to the shore, they avoided the enemy's ship and
reached Machias in safety. A month later they sailed by night
for Eastport, where they remained until about the following Christ-
mas, engaged principally in detecting and suppressing contraband
trade, finding quarters in houses that had been deserted from fear
of the enemy. They were then discharged without a cent of pay
to take them home. Some of them found it necessary to go to
work chopping wood, etc., to earn money with which to return
home, but we think they afterwards received a bounty from the
government.
During the year 1812 a recruiting station was established in
a part of the Moses Richards house. ^ Capt. Caleb Young was
1. Capt. Curtis received his commission Jan. 2, 18tl, and resigned it April
20, 1815.
2. See Locke's Sketches, Pages 94-95.
3. This house stood on the corner of Mechanic street in Camden Village,
on a part of the lot known as the " Johnson Knight lot." The lot where this
148 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
recruiting officer. The men enlisted were to serve as "one year
men," and to be annexed to the 9th Regiment. This company
numbering about 30, was sent to Portland and thence to Platts-
burg, N. Y., where they participated- in the battle fought there.
They also engaged in the battles of Chippewa and Bridgewater.
In the company was Chesley Blake, a brother of Capt. Wm. Blake,
who distinguished himself at the battles of Chippewa and Bridge-
water and at the siege of Fort Erie and was promoted by Gen.
Scott to a lieutenancy. After the war he remained in that section
taking up his residence at Detroit, Mich., and comrhanded the
first steamboat that plied between Bufialo and Detroit. After-
wards he was familiarly known on the lakes by the sobriquet of
" The Lake King." He died at Detroit about 18SS.
house was located is the same now owned by the Camden Odd Fellows'
Building Association.
WAR FOR SEAMEN'S RIGHTS 149
CHAPTER XX.
"The War for Seamen's Rights."
1813. It has been said that the war of 1812 was waged
to maintain the rights of our sailors, and nobly did the American
sailors sustain their part of the confiict. While the army, for a
time, had many reverses, the little American navy displayed a
skill, bravery and heroism, both on the sea and the great lakes,
never surpassed by the sailors of any other nation. Their mag-
nificent success in battle, especially when it is remembered that
they were fighting the mistress of the sea in her own dominion,
was phenomenal. One of the great sea fights of this war, which
took place on September S, 1813, was the engagement between
the British brig. Boxer, and the American brig. Enterprise, off our
coast, between Monhegan Island and Pemaquid. The fight
lasted forty minutes, the Enterprise being the victor and capturing
the Boxer. In this battle both of the captains were slain and
carried to Portland and buried in one grave. The firing was
distinctly heard in Camden and some of our people witnessed the
fight from the summit of Mt. Battie. Of this battle Longfellow
wrote :
" I remember the sea-fight far away,
How It thundered o'er the tide ;
And the dead captains as they lay
in their graves o'erlooking the tranquil bay,
Where they in battle died."
During the war Penobscot Bay was infested with British war
ISO HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
vessels of all classes, from the battleship down -to the small priva-
teer, making it extremely hazardous, and much of the time practi-
cally impossible, for our shipping to put to sea, and this state of
affairs completed what the embargo began, viz.: the utter pros-
tration of our commerce. As our people at that time depended
largely upon the ocean for their means of livelihood, many of
them were deprived of their support, and' often felt obliged to
undertake some dangerous venture to gain the means of maintain-
ing their families and themselves. An illustration of the risks
they ran on such occasions is the story of Capt. Charles Fogler's
attempt to make a trip to Boston in his coaster with a cargo of
wood. Capt. Fogler, who was a resident of Camden, started out
under apparently favorable circumstances, but before he reached
Owl's Head ^ he was pursued by a British privateer and seeing no
avenue of escape, he put on all sail and beached his craft on
Owl's Head.
This same summer Capt. Hosea Bates was captured by a
British privateer and he and his crew set ashore below Camden,
and a prize crew put aboard the vessel, which, however, did not
hold her long, for, while in the vicinity of Islesboro, a crew of armed
citizens of that place re-took her and brought her into Camden
harbor within about four hours from the time she was taken by
the British. In the following September, Capt. Bates sailed again
for Boston in the sloop. Sea Flower, of about 90 tons, with a cargo
of wood. He had a crew of two men, and a young lady passen-
ger. After passing Owl's Head, with most favorable prospects,
he was suddenly brought to and seized by the British privateering
schooner, Fly, which had been lying back of the Head fiying the
American flag as a decoy. Capt. Bates was again put on shore
with his crew and passenger, while the privateer kept her former
position until she had captured two other coasters, one from Isles-
1. Owl's Head received its name from Gov. Tlios. Pownall, who visited
Penobscot Bay in 1759 in the Province sloop-of-war, King George. He says in
his account : " The sailors imagined it to hear some resemblance to an owl's
head."
"WAR FOR SEAMEN'S RIGHTS ISl
boro and the other the schooner, Oliver, of East Thomaston, ^
Capt. Wm. Spear of that town, master. Mr. Locke gives an
account of the affair which he had clipped from the East Thom-
aston Recorder, narrated by an eye witness, as follows :
" During the afternoon of the same day that the schooner
was taken, the privateer made signals to her prizes to get
under weigh and follow. The privateer standing on the
wind endeavored to beat out of the N. E. entrance of the har-
bor. In executing this summons of John Bull, some two
or three of his prizes managed to have their sails fill on the
wrong tack, and by so doing, plumped them purposely on
the beach. Capt. Spear was managing to execute the same
manoeuvre, when the privateer opened her battery, and per-
emptorily ordered him to desist and follow, or ' he would blow
him out of the water,' and with reluctance, Capt. S. was compelled
to obey the command. Disappointment, perhaps, or a malicious
feeling towards the shrewdness of those who had eluded his grasp,
provoked the captain of the privateer to give vent to his feelings
by firing a parting broadside. A spent round shot lodging against
the sill of the house on the point, and another bespattering with
mud the garments of its occupant, were the only visible effects
of this outward mark of civility. With her three prizes the pri-
vateer stood out of the harbor and stretched across the bay towards
the southern extremity of the South Fox Islands, where, in one
of the most romantic havens (White Island Harbor) on our coast,
they all came to anchor. The sun had now set and a brisk N. E.
wind which had been sweeping over the water during the day,
had now died away, leaving a long ground swell heaving in upon
this rockbound, and apparently uninhabited island. In - this
secluded harbor, in anticipation of uninterrupted security, the
privateer commenced putting goods on board the schooner, which
were taken from the other prizes. Not a Yankee fisherman could
1. East Thomaston was incorporated as a separate town, July 28, 1848.
In August, 1850, the name was changed to Kockland, and the present city
government was organized In 1854.
152 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
be seen from the deck of either vessel, , for it may be well to
observe that the inhabitants of this island, at the time, were,
almost to a man, fishermen. There was something ominous in
the silence which prevailed ashore — : it seemed as though every
human being had deserted and left it a solitary isle in the ocean.
A small whale boat, it is true, was, seen to enter the harbor, but
was soon lost sight of among the rocks amid the intricate windings
of some narrow passage.- From this boat the , inhabitants ■ had
been warned of the proximity in which they were to a privateer^
But as soon as the dusk of the evening had begun to gather
around, men collected from every nook and corner, with muskets,
fusee and fowling pieces, ready to give the privateer battle at
early dawn. Morning came, and the men of the privateer were
busily engaged in finishing the transportation of the gjoods.. The
fishermen watched unconcernedly the operations, having, during
the night, taken positions to best annoy or capture the enemy.
What schooner is that ?' cried a voice from the shore.
The Shear Water of Baltimore ; won't you come on
board ? ' repUed the privateer.
" 'No, but we invite you to come ashore.'
" ' I'll see you d d first,' replied the officer.,
This abrupt answer caused a simultaneous &e from land in,
all directions. The captain of the privateer fell at the first dis-
charge, having two balls shot through his body. Taken so com-
pletely were the officers and crew, by surprise, that they sought
safety below. The boat, in the meantime, was ordere4 ashore
and captured. In this predicament many were the ways and
plans devised to effect an escape. * * * * -pj^g (jyi^g
injunction of the captain, 'not to be taken,' had the effect to
arouse the courage of one of the crew who volunteered his ser-
vices to cut the cable. * * * B^t ^hile in the act of passing
below the halliards of the jib and niainsail, he dearly paid for this
act of temerity, for the luckless bullet of some, correct sighted
fisherman, shattered his under jaw — he fell, but succeeded in
WAR FOR SEAMEN'S RIGHTS IS 3
creeping below. ***** a. gentle breeze and favor-
able current came to their assistance, and by hoisting the jib and
mainsail and protruding through the skylight a bayonet affixed to
a musket, (by which device they managed to steer the vessel)
they got out of harm's way and finally made their escape.
Of this gallant skirmish, *in which were recaptured three
vessels and a boat's crew of the privateer, too much commenda-
tion cannot be bestowed upon the hardy sons of Neptune, the
fishermen sailors of Fox Islands.
"On board the privateer, confined below, were two American
prisoners. Their apartment was adjacent to the cabin — so near
they could easily hear the groans of the dying captain and wound-
ed seamen. The pattering of bullets against the wooden sides
of their prison, like hail from some distant cloud, with the wailing
of the wounded and djdng, caused mingled emotions of sorrow
and ecstatic joy. The wind now being S. W., the privateer
shaped her course for the Wooden Ball, an uninhabited island in
Penobscot Bay. While pursuing her way thither the lieutenant
allowed the prisoners to come on deck, and perceiving a small
boat at some distance, they requested the lieutenant to hail the
boat and give them their liberty.
"One object in being thus minute in this narrative is to exhib-
it the true character of the Yankee sailor — one of whom was
taken from the schooner, Oliver, and possessed a good share of
that universal shrewdness, which characterizes the Yankee nation.
This man ^ made a request or desire to see the corpse of the
captain. This human feeling, of course, could not but meet
with approbation from the heutenant, who escorted him to the
cabin. Pistols, sabers, pikes, boarding-axes and all the minor
implements of marine warfare were arrayed about the cabin in
such a manner as to aid in giving it an appearance of wild
embellishment, while at the same time each was convenient to
the hand. Around the mast was placed a stand of muskets. The
1. Capt. B. Webb of Thomaston, the narrator of this adventure.
154 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND EOCKPORT
entire arrangement proclaimed that the cabin was considered a
citadel of itself. Inaberthlay the corpse of the captain. * * *
The unfortunate result of the late encounter was freely discussed,
the disastrous effects of the fishermen's fire was pointed at by the
downcast looking lieutenant, who thus gave vent to the turbulent
state of his feelings : ' There, you can see the murderous design
of your countrymen ;' pointing to some charts which hung in the
beckets on the side of the cabin, and while in the act of taking
them from their places of security, two leaden bullets rolled out
at his feet. ' Oh, my God!' ejaculated he, 'what a miracle that
we have thus escaped with the loss of no more lives.'
" 'l should think there must also be some visible effects on
the vessel's deck, if I were to judge from the rattling of the
bullets and buckshot against the side of the privateer from my
place of confinement,' rejoined the sailor.
" 'Yes, truly there is evidence to satisfy the most skeptical, for
sixty-two balls are lodged in our masts, and sixty-four can be counted
as having passed through our mainsail below the two reef gearings!'
You have lost your captain and received other damage
which you charge against my countrymen. I might retort by say-
ing, you have taken from my captain his vessel — his only means
of support to a large family. But, sir, it is the fortune of war
and we must submit to the good or ill which befalls us,' continued
the shrewd Yankee ; and perceiving now was the time to carry
into effect the object of his visit to the officer's cabin, respect-
fully asked the lieutenant if he would restore the papers of the
captured vessels, as they might relieve the distresses of many a
poor family (not forgetting at the same time his heartfelt sorrow
for the bereaved family of the deceased captain). The. desired
object was accomplished — the papers were restored. On ascend-
ing to the deck, the boat was found in waiting ; and the prison-
ers stepping into the boat with inward feelings of satisfaction, the
' hat was raised ' and a cordial salutation given — and thus parted
the rival sailors of the two belligerent nations." *
4. Locke's Sketches, Page 100.
WAR FOR SEAMEN'S RIGHTS 155
The captured vessels weie shortly afterwards taken from Fox
Islands to the places whence they had sailed and delivered to
their owners.
Capt. Bates soon afterwards made a trip in the lucky Sea
Flower to Portland, and had the surprise and satisfaction of lying
alongside the Fly whose guns had summoned him to surrender a
short time before. Thus was the happy ending of one of the
most interesting of the episodes of the war on the Knox County
coast.
As many of the men of Camden followed the sea, naturally a
portion of them found themselves on board of American war ves-
sels and privateers. Among them William Metcalf and William
Tarr were in their country's service on board of a man-of-war, the
name of which history has not given us. Falling in with a British
frigate they began pouring broadsides into each other and con-
tinued to do so until the ships came near together, when prepara-
tions for boarding were made. When the vessels were sufficient-
ly near to each other, Metcalf was the first to board, leaping alone
on the enemy's deck, where he was assailed on all sides. Fight-
ing desperately, after killing several of the enemy, he was
wounded in the knee and taken prisoner. His comrade, Tarr,
was mortally wounded and the rest of the American crew were
made prisoners. Metcalf was held a prisoner until the close of
the war, when he was released and returned home.
Another one of our citizens, Paul Thomdike, Jr., sailed in
an American privateer, and, at about this same time, while his
vessel was cruising near the English coast, it fell in with a British
merchant ship bound for Quebec. She was captured, and Thom-
dike was put on board as a prize master. He started homeward
with his prize, but while in the English Channel it was recaptured
by a British cruiser and all on board taken ashore and incarcerated
in Dartmoor prison. While on their way to the prison, the offi-
cers in charge of the prisoners stopped a short time at an inn for
rest and refreshment, and while there, many gathered around and
156 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
looked with curiosity upon the Yankees. One of the crowd began
to interrogate Thorndike about the "rebels" (as they still called
them) in America, asking what our strength was, what kind of
fortifications we had, etc. " Why, sir," replied Thorndike, " every
stump is a place of defense, and every pile of rocks is a fortifica-
tion, and you might as well think of subduing Satan in tophet as
to try to subdue the Yankees by fighting them." Thorndike and
his shipmates. remained in Dartmoor prison until the close of the
war, when they, too, were released and allowed to return to theh
native land.
Another Camden man, Moses Thorndike, was also this same
year on aboard an American privateer in the capacity of pilot.
Imitating the practice of the enemy, the privateer had hoisted
the English ensign so as to thereby deceive English vessels and
entrap them and at the same time escape the enemy's cruisers and
privateers. Seeing an American coaster, belonging in this vicin-
ity, the privateer bore down upon her to' learn if those on board
knew of any Enghsh vessels being in the vicinity, but the British
flag deceived the coaster and she headed under full sail for the
main land. The privateer then ran up the American colors, but
this only confirmed 1;he captain of the coaster in his belief that
he was being pursued by a British privateer. The privateer then
tried to head her off to prevent her being beached, but it was of
no avail, and the frightened captain stranded his coaster, and
seizing his pocketbook containing his money and papers, with his
crew went over the bow, and fled to the near-by woods. The
privateer sent a boat ashore, with the pilot, and several of the
crew, to apprise their countrymen of the mistake they had made.
Peeping from behind stumps and bushes at the landing boat's
crew, and finding that they were showing no disposition to plun-
der their vessel, and that they appeared to be of a friendly char-
acter, one by one the coaster's crew approached the beach.
Recognizing the pilot, one of them sang out to him, "Hello,
Thorndike, is that you?" "Yes," replied Thorndike, "come
WAR FOR SEAMEN'S RIGHTS 157
here you scarecrows, what d'ye run your vessel aground for?"
Explanations then followed, the coaster was soon gotten off and
continued on her voyage, while the privateer again started in
search of her legitimate prey.
Thus did the sailors of Camden do their part in prosecuting
the war upon the sea during this second year of the war for
sailors' rights.
158 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXI.
THE ALARMS OF WAR.
1813. While affairs were thus progressing on the sea, our
citizens were not idle on the land. Among other things done for
defense against the invader was the formation of a company of
cavalry composed of men from Camden and Thomaston, of which
Dr. Isaac Barnard of Thomaston was appointed captain. He was
succeeded in that office by Philip Ulmer. While the troops were
being gathered and disciplined, the older citizens of the town felt
desirous of doing their part in defending their homes, and organ-
ized a volunteer Alarm List, composed of men of all ages from
4S to 65, some of whom had seen service in the Revolution, and
all of whom were exempt by law from military duty. This veteran
company numbered about 40 men, and they elected John Pen-
dleton their captain.
This year the political parties were very evenly matched
as is shown by the gubernatorial election held April 5, 1813, at
which Gov. Strong received 111 votes and Joseph B. Vamum 113.
At the town election held the same day, Moses Trussell was
elected Town Clerk, Robert Chase, Joshua Dillingham and Moses
Trussel, Selectmen, and Nathan Brown, Treasurer. We notice
but few new names in the list of officers elected this year, among
them being Moses Parker, John Nicholson, Zach'r Wood, Enos
Cobb, James Blossom and Aaron Stackpole.
May 3 the voters met to choose a Representative to the Gen-
ALARMS OF WAR IS 9
eral Court, when Nathan Brown received 72 votes and Moses
Trussell 105 votes, and was elected.
This year died James Simonton, on March 4, at the age of
78 years and 3 months. Mr. Simonton was an early settler,
coming here among the very first, and settling in that part of the
town that is now Rockport. He is the ancestor of all the Simon-
tons living in this section. He came from Falmouth (now
Portland) and his three sons, John, James Jr., and Abraham, all
settled in this section. John in So. Thomaston, James Jr., in
Camden, and Abraham in Rockland. His daughter, Elizabeth,
married Capt. John Gregory.
A greater portion of the Knox County Simontons are the
progeny of James Simonton, Jr., who married Susan Gross. He
settled on the farm at Simonton' s Comer, now owned by his great
grandson, Abram S. Buzzell. A portion of the large Buzzell farm-
house is the old original Simonton house. James Simonton, Jr.,
was the father of ten children. William, Margaret, (who married
a Mr. Fiske and removed to Ohio, but who afterwards returned
and married Daniel Howard of St. George) James (3d), Susan,
(who married Josiah Hemingway) Abraham, Joanna, (who mar-
ried Deacon Wm. Brown) John, Sarah, (who married Daniel
Ames) Dr. Putnam and Charlotte, (who married Wm. Burkett).
James Simonton, Jr., died in Camden, Dec. 2, 1839, at the age
of 72 years and 8 months
1814. The state election this year was held April 4 and
showed a stronger Democratic sentiment among our voters than
the year before. Gov. Strong having 104 of the votes cast, and
Samuel Dexter 142, while two of the voters evidently preferred to
have someone nearer home for chief magistrate, as one of them
voted for Erastus Foote and the other for John Nicholson, both of
Camden. The same day the old Town Clerk, Selectmen and
Treasurer were re-elected, except 2d Selectman, to which office
Banajah Barrows was elected.
At a meeting of tjie selectmen held April 16, various citizens
160 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
" bid off" ten town charges to keep at the rate of from 11.00 to
$1.80 per week, it being the custom at that time to "put up"
the support of town's poor to be "auctioned off" to the lowest
bidder, a proceeding that is today forbidden by statute.
This year Alden Bass was elected Representative receiving
96 votes to 78 for Moses Trussel.
For some, time there had been growing a feeling of dissatis-
faction regarding the town's settled minister, Rev. Thomas
Cochran, which culminated this year in a town meeting being
called with the following article in the warrant : "To see if the
town will appoint a committee, honorably to dissolve the con-
nection between the town and the Minister, agreeble to the call
& articles of Settlement — of the Rev. Thomas Cochran." It
was voted to appoint such a committee by a "yea and nay vote,"-
109 voting in favor and 26 against the proposition. The com-
mittee chosen consisted of Samuel Brown, Joshua Dillingham,
Robert Chase, Hosea Bates, Nath'l Martin, Nathan Brown and
Erastus Foote. These gentlemen were also instructed to consult
with ' the Church Respecting a Council and to give the Neces-
sary notice agreeable to the articles of Settlement."
In the meantime, military affairs in this section were being prose-
cuted with vigor. At a town meeting held July 6, it was voted to
" pay the Militia draughted for the defense of said town, Six dollars
pr. month in addition to the Regular pay, for 2 months from the first
day of July Inst., should they not be discharged sooner;" and
the sum of $200 was raised for that purpose. At this time the
officers in command of ; our military companies were as follows :■
Light InfaDtry Company : Calvin Curtis, Captain ; Edward Hanford,
Lieutenant; Arthur Pendleton, Ensign; Wm. Brown, 1st Ser-
geant; Simeon Tyler, 1st Corporal. This company numbered 27,
including officers. 1st Infantry Company : Asha Palmer, Captain ;
Noah Brooks, Lieutenant ; Joseph Hall, Ensign ; 2d Infantry
Company, West Camden : Sam'l Tolman, Captain ; James Pack-
ard, Lieutenant. The Camden companies belonged to the 5th
ALARMS OF WAR 161
Regiment as has been stated, which regiment, Col. Erastus
Foote of Camden commanded.
It was during this year that the town was thrown into alarm
causing the militia to turn out and march to the south, expecting
to face the enemy in battle, only, however, to find that the alarm
was a false one. It happened in this wise. About two miles
south of Broad Cove, at McCobb's Narrows, of the St. Georges
river, there had been erected a stone garrison to protect Thomas-
ton and the river from British attack. One evening it was the
turn of a soldier by the name of Daniel Payson to stand guard,
but he being anxious to visit a neighboring farmhouse for the
purpose of telling the' "old story ever new," to the farmer's rosy
cheeked daughter, prevailed upon his friend, Thomas Rivers, to
stand guard for him for a certain specified period, at the end of
which he promised to return. Absorbed in his romantic occupa-
tion, Payson stayed beyond the time appointed, and his tired and
sleepy substitute becoming impatient, discharged his gun to
remind the lover of his forgotten duty. Rivers had forgotten for
the moment that a gunshot was a signal, understood throughout
the whole section, that the British were coming. The alarm was
taken up by sentries the entire distance from there to Camden,
and the militia turned out ready to repel the invaders, giving to
the courtship of Daniel Payson a notoriety, undoubtedly embar-
rassing to the couple.
During this year occurred many events and incidents of
interest and importance connected with the war in which the
people of Camden or some of them were actors. In March an
American vessel belonging in New York, was cruising m this
vicinity under letters of marque and reprisal, and cap-
tured an English merchantman, called the Victory, which was
also sailing under letters of marque. ^ A Yankee prize crew was
put on board, with one James Scott as prize master, and the
1. It was found after her capture that the Victory had on hoard ten
cari'onades.
162 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Victory was brought into Camden and moored at Pierce's wharf at
the head of the harbor. Her cargo consisted principally of
coffee, cocoa and logwood and the ship was evidently direct from
Jamaica. Ten days later the owner of the New York vessel that
had captured her, came in to arrange about disposing of the
cargo. Collector Farley of Waldoboro, gave a permit for landing
the cargo on March 26, but the owner or agent did not arrive
until April 5, and circumstances making it necessary to make a
new entry, the lading was not delivered until between the 6th
and 12th of the month. The prize master, Scott, was for landing
certain articles without paying the duties on them, on pretense
that they belonged to the list of articles not subject to duty. Mr.
Farley, in a letter of instruction to Deputy Collector Curtis, dated
April 11, said : " The prize master must not land handkerchiefs
or anything else without entering and paying the duties. The
customary cabin stores and cabin furniture we shall not exact the
duty upon, nor upon the wearing apparel or personal baggage of
the officers or crew, but 67 flag handkerchiefs look too much like
merchandise to be landed without permit." The owner decided
to dispose of the cargo at auction, and on the day of the sale
several merchants from Boston and elsewhere were in attendance
and the bidding was brisk. Much of the cargo was stored in the
cellar of the old Masonic building and other places. The Boston
merchants immediately started the transportation of the goods bid
off by them across the country in ox teams, which made good
jobs for our farmers. It took them about two moHths to make
the round trip to Boston and return, which would seem pretty
slow work to modem transportation companies. A great deal of
the merchandise had been injured by leakage of the vessel, and
these damaged goods were disposed of to the poorer people of the
neighborhood, while a large quantity of damaged coffee was thrown
away or used around apple trees, etc., as a fertilizer. After the
cargo had been discharged the Victory remained in port until the
latter part of the following August, when she was taken up river
ALARMS OF WAR 163
to Hampden to be secure from the reach of the enemy, as the
United States corvette, Adams, was at that place undergoing
repairs. A week or so later, the enemy entered Penobscot river
and for the second time in its history, took possession of Castine,
and a few days later went up the river to dispose of the disabled
Adams, which had been a most troublesome enemy to British
shipping. As in the case of the Revolutionary "Biguyduce"
disaster, a diversity of counsel resulted calamitously to the Amer-
icans and the British drove away the militia, captured and looted
the village of Hampden, and when they departed took away with
them the vessels, including the Victory, to Castine. When the
news of the Victory's re-capture reached Camden, a dozen of our
citizens, under the lead of Nathaniel Martin, went to Castine with
the plan to re-take her by strategem, under cover of the night.
In some way the British learned of their intentions, and took the
ship around by the fort and adopted the necessary precautions to
prevent a surprise. The Camden adventurers went to where she
was first anchored, intending to get possession of the vessel by
overcoming the keepers, but finding that she had been moved
and that their plans were known to the enemy, returned home
empty handed.
In 1813 the government had levied a property tax of
$3,000,000 to assist in carrying on the war, and $74,220 of that
sum was apportioned to be raised by the District of Maine, col-
lectors being appointed to collect the assessments in the difierent
localities. For this and several of the neighboring towns, Robert
Chase was appointed Collector and these duties were collected
here in 1814 and the following year. Our people were willing
as a rule, to contribute their proportion of the money needed to
pay the expense of fighting the enemy, but, as is always the case,
a few were found by whom the money was paid with great reluc-
tance. Mr. Locke tells the following amusing incident that
happened when Mr. Chase was on one occasion trying to collect
164 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
this tax in tlie town of Appleton : ^ " Calling at a house when
the woman's husband was absent, he announced to her his busi-
ness, and walked in. Sitting down he began to take an invent-
tory of the taxable articles in the room. He next inquired about
the furniture, etc., in the other part of the house, taking the
matron's statement for granted. ' Have you any time piece,
madam, except that watch?' said Mr. C, pointing to one
over the mantel-piece. ' No,' replied she, ' we have no other
watch, nor clock in the house.' As it was near dinner time, Mr.
Chase remarked that he guessed he would tarry and dine with the
family, as it was some distance to an inn. Acquiescing in his
proposal, the woman tendered him a seat at the table. No sooner
were the family seated with their guest, than a clock in the
adjoining room, with strokes, loud and clear, began to announce
the hour of twelve! The woman's face. began to assume alter-
nate hues of ruddy and pale, while her daughter, partaking of her
mother's irrepressible emotion, began to grow agitated and cast
furtive glances at the stranger, and then at her guilt-like looking
mother. The clock kept striking like a faithful sentinel ; eyes
glanced askance, but not a word was spoken. When the bell
hammer concluded its strokes, there was a silence of some moments.
Chase continued eating, and seeing the mental pertubation of his
entertainers, he deemed it improper to make ' confusion worse
confounded,' and so left the matron to the upbraidings of her own
conscience. After finishing his repast, Mr. C. departed without
making the slightest allusion to the fact that there was a clock in
the house, and that it was not entered on his schedule. It was
always with peculiar zest and a hearty laugh that Mr. Chase used
to relate the above incident."
While the British occupied Cas'tine, many of the people
along the coast continued to trade with them to a considerable
extent, by the use of Swedish neutral vessels ; there were also
methods of trading with the enemy by the purchase of British
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 107.
ALARMS OF WAR 165
goods by a partner abroad, to be captured at a given place and
signal, by a partner at home, and other expedients. To what
extent the people of Camden engaged in this illicit trade, we
have no record, which would seem to indicate that they had very
-Mttle connection with it. The duties and alarms of war, among
them the necessity of defending their exposed town from threat-
ened destruction from the many vessels of the enemy patrolling
these waters, and rendezvousing just across the bay at Castine,
kept the citizens of this town continually on the alert and
doubtless gave them little time or inclination to dabble in forbid-
den traffic with their country's enemy.
166 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXII.
THE TOWN Fortified.
1814. In July, 1814, two British aimed vessels appeared
off the mouth of the St. Georges river and after dark, sent two or
three barges filled with men, to take the fort below Thomaston,
which they easily accomplished, from the fact that the block-house
was tenanted only by an old man and his wife. They destroyed
the powder in the magazine there and spiked four 18-pound guns
and two brass artillery pieces, and set fire to the building and one
vessel, towing away two others. Upon one of these vessels was a
young man by the name of Christopher Curtis, who was compelled,
with a pistol at his breast, to act as pilot for the enemy on the
way up river to Thomaston, which was their objective point.
Notwithstanding the duress he was under, young Curtis represent-
ed the distance to Thomaston to be so great that the enemy
became discouraged, as morning began to dawn, and returned to
their ships after setting Curtis ashore. ^ This adventure alarmed
the country-side and Col. Erastus Foote called out a greater part
of his regiment to defend this town. Our citizens were aroused
to taking greater precautions against a surprise from the enemy
and guards were stationed from Camden Harbor to Clam Cove,
the strictest military surveillance being maintained. At about the
same time it was determined to fortify the town by erecting forts
1. See Eaton's Hlstoi-y of Thomaston, Rockland and South Thomaston,
Vol. I, Page 297.
THE TOWN FORTIFIED 167
at the harbor, one on Eaton's Point and the other opposite on
Jacobs' Point. Both forts were erected at the same time and
something like a hundred men are said to have worked upon
them, completing their construction in two or three days. The
fort on Jacobs' Point was situated just southerly of the Ume kilns
about where the house owned by Mr. Ralph E. Richards, on the
easterly side of Bay View street, now stands. It is
described by Mr. Locke as being of crescent form and about 40
feet in length. It was made in part of timbers belonging to
Capt. Nathaniel Hosmer, who had procured them for the building
of a vessel, which enterprise was blocked by the embargo. ^ The
height of the fortress was 8 or 10 feet and its thickness 3 or 4
feet, the space between the outer and inner walls being filled with
dirt. A platform was built inside which raised the soldiers to the
right elevation to enable them to rest their muskets on the top
of the breastwork. On this platform were two 12-pounders
mounted on carriages, pointing through embrasures. Barracks
were built on the northerly side of the fort, while twenty rods to
the south, near the shore, was a guard house from which the
movements of the enemy could be more easily observed. The
fort on Eaton's Point was located near the steamboat wharf on
land now owned by Mr. Williston Grinnell. It was practically a
counterpart in size, armament, etc., of the one on Jacobs' Point.
Much of the bank near where it was located has since been worn
away by the elements, and the lapse of time, aided by the "hand
of utilitarianism," has now destroyed all traces of these old forts,
portions of which remained for many years to remind our people
of the strenuous times that tried the souls of their forefathers. Having
completed these fortification, a party of Camden men with several
yoke of oxen went down to Fort George and got one of the 18-
pounders that had been spiked by the British and hauled it to
Camden. This and two 12-pounders were then placed on the
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 109.
168 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKFORT
summit of Mt. Battle.^ It was something of an undertaking to
get them up there, and John Grose took the contract for $25.
He cleared a road up the western slope of the mountain from near
the old "Fay House" to the summit, over which the guns were
taken up and planted on the summit. ^
Barracks were also erected on the mountain and the necessary
munitions of war provided, and six men were stationed there.
Locke, however, gives us the names of but five, viz.: Jona. Leighton,
corporal; Jesse Derry, Isaac Sheldon, James Metcalf and Robert
Gorthell, privates. Guards were stationed throughout the town
as follows : The main guard was stationed in an old red building
that stood in Camden village i not far from, where Mr. Eugene
Clark's store now stands on Bay View street, a picket guard was
stationed on Ogier's Hill and another guard' was located at Clam
Cove. ^ Having, made these preparations for defense, our people
breathed more easily and felt capable of giving the enemy a warm
reception should he intrude upon them.
At about this time the American sloop-of-war, Adams, of 24
guns, commanded by Capt. Charles Morris, which had been
cruising about between Savannah and Maine, and which had been
a scourge to British vessels, arrived on our coast and ran ashore
in the fog on Isle au Haut, August 17,. damaging her to a con-
siderable extent. She was gotten off in a critical condition and
brought to Camden for repairs,: firing a signal gun as she - arrived
off the harbor. Camden being too much exposed to view, it was
afterwards decided to take the Adams up the Peiiobscot both for
repairs and safety. After landing here about , 25 men disabled
1. Many years afterwards an 18 pound ball, probably belonging to this
18-pounder, was found on Mt. Battle, and a 12 pound shot was found in James
Eichards' field. Ai^erwards a smaller sized ball was found by woikmen
while digging near the Capt. Isaac Sherman house on Union street. The two
latter were probably fired by the British during the Eevohition.
2. The six 12-pounders (two in each fort and two on the mountain) are
said to have been seiitliere from Boston by Gen. Dearborn.
3. The soldiers on duty in the forts and as guards were designated as
" the 30 days men."
THE TOWN FORTIFIED 169
by the scurvy, and about 60 prisoners, she sailed for Hampden,
where she arrived Aug. 20, and where she was afterwards cap-
tured, as has been already related. The sick from the Adams'
crew and the prisoners were landed at Eaton's Point, the former
being conveyed by Nathan Hobbs in an ox team to an old house
in town, where they were cared for until they regained their health.
The prisoners, five of whom were officers, being under parole,
were allowed to go at large to different parts of the town. Shortly
after being landed one of the prisoners died, his death being
caused, according to the belief of his comrades, by his being
deprived of his customary " grog," which, being a hard drinker,
had become necessary to his existence. After his burial, Lieut.
Edward Hanford with an armed guard of about 30 men, with Asa
Richards as orderly sergeant, prepared to take the prisoners to the
jail at Wiscasset, but the British officers had broken their parole
and were not present, nor after an extended search could they be
found, so the guard proceeded to Wiscasset with the rest of the
prisoners. After a short incarceration in the jail there they were
taken to Portland and thence to Salem, where they were exchanged.
In the meantime the recalcitrant officers were planning to
escape. While walking about the town they had met a Camden
man who was an expert pilot, whom they had succeeded in
bribing to agree to take them to Eastport in a boat. When all
arrangements were made, the officers went aboard— ^ just below
Negro Island, and the pilot was about to shape his course for
Eastport, when it was discovered that there was no liquor aboard.
This was a sad oversight and must be remedied, and one of their
number was sent ashore to procure a supply of the indispensable
article. Lieut. Hanford had been gone with the other prisoners
but a short time, and search was still being made for the fugitives
and as soon as the returning officer made his appearance, Capt.
Calvin Curtis was notified of his presence in the village. Eager
to obtain his liquor and be gone, the officer entered a store, when
Capt. Curtis came forward and arrested him. He tried in vain to
170 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
plead off and was sent on in charge of keepers to the main guard,
which was overtaken at Blackington's Corner. Ascertaining the
whereabouts of the remaining officers, a fast sailing boat, owned
by Richard Conway, was manned for the pursuit by the following
well armed party : Capt. Asha Palmer, Richard Conway, Capt.
Robbins, a young Camden man by the name of John Tarr, and
one Brown, who came to town in the prize, Victory. The British
officers, in the meantime, having awaited the return of their com-
rade for a longer time than they thought necessary for him to do
his errand, and suspecting that he had fallen into trouble, decided
to depart without him. They had not made much progress when
they were espied by Capt. Palmer, and then the race began in
earnest. For some time the contest seemed to be an equal one,
but the superior speed of Conway's boat began to close up the
space between pursurer and pursued and in spite of the utmost
endeavors of the Englishmen and their pilot, the Yankee crew
gained upon them until, near the upper end of Deer Isle, in
Eggemoggin Reach, the Conway boat came ^alongside, captured
■ the prisoners who, with the pilot, were bound and disposed of as
follows: Two of the officers were placed in Conway's boat under
charge of Capt. Palmer, Robbins and Brown, while the other two
and the pilot were left in the other boat in the custody of Conway
and Tarr. They then started for Camden, the faster boat taking
the lead and soon getting far ahead of the prize. Supposing the
prisoners were securely bound, Conway placed his gun on the
thwart and stepped forward for some purpose, when the pilot
succeeded in freeing himself from his bonds, and seizing the gun,
threatened to shoot Tarr unless he instantly surrendered his
musket. Tarr, seeing no alternative, complied with the demand,
when the pilot cut loose the two Englishmen, and handing a gun
to one of them kept the other himself. Conway and Tarr, aston-
ished at the sudden turn of affairs, deemed " discretion the better
part of valor," and submitted with the best grace possible. .
The ofiicers and their bribed pilot with their coerced prisoners
THE TOWN FORTIFIED 171
then plied the oars with vigor to overtake the unsuspecting crew
of the other boat and rescue their companions. Coming within
hailing distance, one of the ofRcers shouted, " Heave to or we'll
shoot you." As there seemed nothing else to do, Capt. Palmer
surrendered and the officers in his boat were released and sup-
plied with guns. While our men were at their mercy, the British
ofRcers had but one object in view, viz.: to escape. They there-
fore took all the guns and Conway's boat, it being the better and
faster, surrendered their pilot for whom they had no further use,
and giving the crestfallen Camden men three hearty cheers, waved
their hats in adieu and sailed away towards Eastport, while our
friends dejectedly headed for Camden, where they had to meet the
curiosity, questions and comments of the large crowd that had
gathered at the wharf to ascertain the result of the chase. The
pilot was taken into custody by Lewis Ogier, Deputy Sheriff, and
sent to Portland, where he was tried and found guilty of treason
and sentenced to death, which sentence, however, was never
executed. A petition, based upon extenuating circumstances
and the fact that the pilot had a family dependent upon him for
support, was circulated and quite generally signed by our citizens,
which being presented to the proper authorities, resulted in a
pardon being granted and the " decoyed pilot " returned to his
family.
Castine was occupied by the British Sept. 1. The invading
expedition sailed from Halifax on Aug. 26, with between three
and four thousand men under command of Lieut. Gen. Sir John
Coape Sherwood, Governor of Nova Scotia, Major Gen. Gerard
Gosselin and Col. Douglass. The fleet consisted of the Bulwark,
Dragon and Spencer, 74 guns each, the Buchante, Tenedos,
Sylph and Peruvian, 18 guns each;' and the schooner, Pictou and
10 transports, under command of Rear Admiral Edward Griffith.
The original intention was to take Machias on their way to the
Penobscot, but learning that the Adams was at Hampden, they
proceeded directly to Castine, leaving Machias in peace. This
172 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
fleet came into the bay before daybreak, Sept. 1, and as
they passed among the islands, took fishermen from their crafts
and compelled them to pilot the fleet to Castine. Soon after sun-
rise the British fleet entered the harbor of Castine, and sent Lieut
Nichols in a small schooner to reconnoiter the fort and demand
its surrender. Although the American officer in command, Lieut.
Lewis, had a garrison of only about 40 men, he bravely refused to
obey the summons and at once op'ened fire upon the vessels from
four 24-pounders. Finding, however, that it would be impossible
for him to hold the fort against the great force opposed to him,
Lieut. Lewis blew up the fort, ^ and with his men, carrying two
field pieces, made his escape in boats to Hampden. Col. Doug-
lass then took possession of Castine and the following proclamation
of the commander of the army and the admiral of the fleet, was
issued :
Proclamation by Lieut. Gen. Sir John Coape Sherwood, K.
B., commanding a body of his British Majesty's land forces,
and Edward Griffith, Esq., Rear Admiral of the White, com-
manding a squadron of his Majesty's ships, now arrived in
the Penobscot.
Whereas, It is the intention of the British commanders to
take possession of the country lying between the Penobscof
River and Passamaquoddy Bay, the peaceable inhabitants to
that district are hereby notified, that if they remain quietly at
their respective homes, and carry on their useful occupations,
every protection will be afforded them so long as they shall com-
ply with such regulations as may be estabUshed for their conduct
and guidance by the authority ol the British commanders. All
persons taken in arms, or employed in conveying intelligence to
the enemy, or in assisting him, in any way, shall be treated
accordingly. Such of the inhabitants as may wish to avail them-
selves of the terms offered in the preceding part of this Proclama-
tion, will be required to give up their arms and demean them-
selves in a quiet and peaceable manner ; and those who may be
willing to supply the British forces with provisions, etc., will be
1. The explosion was distinctly seen by several of our citizens who were
on Mt. Battle watching the manoeuvres of the British ships.
THE TOWN FORTIFIED 173
regularly paid for the articles furnished, and will receive every
encouragement and protection in so doing.
(Signed)
T. F. ADDISON, Military Secretaiy,
By Command CHAS. MARTYR, Naval Secretary.
Given at Castine, Sept. 1, 1814.
Thus our unfortunate neighbor for the second time in its
history, was held by the forces of a foreign invader.
The same day an armed vessel was sent across to Belfast,
with a flag informing the inhabitants that the British purposed to
land a body of troops for four days' rest to recruit their strength,
and if, during that time, a gun was fired, they would bum the
town, but if left unmolested they would peaceably depart at the
time stated. Six hundred troops were then landed under com-
mand of Gen. Gosselin. A part of the fleet then proceeded with-
out delay up the Penobscot, with the inglorious and disastrous
result to the American cause and the severe loss to the town
of Hampden, related in the preceding chapter. ^
In the meantime the people of Camden were observing the
important events that were occuring in their neighborhood with
curiosity and apprehension. While the British vessels were sail-
ing up the bay, a party of our young men, among whom were
Alden Bass, Robert Chase, Simon Hunt and Perley F. Pike, went
out in a boat with Capt. Oliver Pendleton to observe the operations
of the hostile fleet, and were seen by pne of the vessels of the
enemy, which took them for spies and' demanded that they heave
to, which order being obeyed^ the boat and all on board were
taken in charge and earned to Castine, where they remained for
several days, until the town sent over Capt. Isaac Russ who
obtained their release. The English desired Pike to remain and
enlist with them as he was a stout, lusty fellow, but he could not
be coaxed nor hired to do so and returned with his companions.
The next day after the occupation of Castine, our people were
1. The losses sustained by the people of Hampden on account of this
British raid amounted to .|44,000.
174 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
expecting a visit from the enemy, and quite a number of them
sought safety by retiring to the neighboring inland towns.
The following Brigade Order was at once issued :
2D BRIGADE, llTH DIVISION.
Camden, Sept. 2, 1814.
The enemy have occupied Castine and Belfast. The com-
manding officer of the Brigade considers the time as now arrived
when it becomes the indispensable duty of the Militia to fly to
arms.
Lieutenant Col. Foote of the Sth Regiment will order his whole
Regiment immediately to assemble near Camden Harbor in Camden.
The troops mnst all be well equipped for actual service and
with three days' provision.
(Signed)
David Payson, Brigadier General, &c.
The commanding officer of the Sth Regiment directs the
above Order to be forthwith carried into effect.
The field and staff officers of the Regiment will immediately
repair to Camden.
By Order Lieut. Col. Commanding Sth Regiment, 2d Brigade,
11th Division.
(Signed) Wm. Carleton, Adjutant.
At the same time the forts were put into a better defensive
condition and the selectmen were notified immediately to furnish
the necessary supply of ammunition, etc.
One of the orders issued by Capt. Curtis reads as follows :
To THE Selectmen of Camden :
Deliver to Sergeant Harkness 6 Cannon Cartridges ; 6 Can-
non Ball; 6 do. Grape; 4 Cannister Shot; 2 Rammers and
sponges ; 1 Spoon and Worm ; 2 Lint Stocks ; 2 part fine Stocks ;
2 Powder Horns and priming wires, for use of the Parapet at
Jacobs' Point.
C. Curtis,
Capt. commanding parapets at Camden Harbor, Camden,
Sept. 2, 1814.
The same day another order was issued requesting the same
ammunition, etc., to be furnished "for the use of the Parapet at
Eaton's Point."
WARLIKE ADVENTURES 17S
CHAPTER XXIII.
Sundry Warlike Adventures.
1814. Col. Foote's regiment reached Camden on Sept. 3,
armed and equipped as the law directs," and the town was in a
state of commotion, excitement and anxiety. Speaking of this
occasion, Mr Locke says : ^ " Everyone felt and manifested a
deep concern in the anticipated visit of the enemy. The martial
display on the occasion by the different companies, the sound of
the drum and fife as they sent forth solemn music to the tune of
Roslin Castle or Boyne Water, begat in the minds of the old and
young, feelings peculiar to the times of war. The Alarm List or
Exempts, composed in part of veterans who had seen actual ser-
vice, tended to inflame the military ardor of the younger troops,
and infuse into the minds of the more timid, feelings of confi-
dence and resolution. Matrons and maidens repressed their
fears as they witnessed the firm steps and determined looks of
their husbands, brothers and sons, as they marched along the
streets, keeping pace to the sound of martial music. Boys and
girls were running to and fro, recognizing familiar faces, suggest-
ing many queries, and enlivening the scenes by their juvenile
actions. The day was principally spent in military parade, and
towards night the following order was promulgated by the Colonel
of the Regiment :
'Sept. 3, 1814. Capt. Curtis will take command of the
1. See Locke's Sketches, Page 121.
176 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Parapets at Eaton's and Jacobs' Points, and will, for this purpose,
take the whole of his Company and his officers, and will have a
detachment from Capt. Palmer's Company, making the force
equal to SO men, — will station Guards and Pickets and Sentinels.
Lieut. Brooks will assemble the residue of Capt. Palmer's
Company, near the meeting-house, and arrange quarters for the
night, for his and other Troops.
The Companies from Thomaston and St. George will meet
at the Camden meeting-house and take quarters for the night,
also the Troops from Hope and Appleton.
By order E. FOOTE,
Lt. Col. Com. 5th Reg. 2d Brig. 11th Division.' "
From the foregoing it seems that the companies of Camden,
Thomaston, St. George, Hope and Appleton, were all assembled
on this day. On the next day Col. Thatcher of Warren, ordered
out his regiment, and on the Sth, Maj. Reed of Waldoboro, with
one battalion proceeded to Thomaston, where they took quarters,
and the next day marched to Camden, followed in the afternoon
by the rest of Thatcher's regiment under Major Howes of Union.
That night an alarm was given that the enemy was preparing to
land, the troops were called out, muskets were loaded and coun-
cils held, but it appeared later that the fleet, instead of getting
ready to make an attack, was getting under way, and sailing, as
it afterward appeared, for Halifax. The Belfast company under
Col. Thomas Cunningham, the Montville companies under Capt.
James Wallace, and companies from other adjacent towns, also
apprehensive from the manoeuvring of the fleet, that an attack
upon Camden was contemplated, turned out and marched as far
as Dickey's Bluff in Northport, where they reconnoitered a few
hours and then returned to Belfast. Capt. Curtis ordered the
Selectmen " To deliver to Sergeant Harkness 20 twelve-pound
cartridges, 20 ditto shot, for the use of the Parapets at Eaton's
and Jacobs' Points," and having done all possible, the troops
awaited the British attack. When it was found that the fleet had
actually sailed out of the bay, the soldiers returned to their repose
WARLIKE ADVENTURES 177
and the next day the out of ' town companies marched to their
respective homes. The expenses incurred on this occasion, as
well as the soldiers' wages, were afterwards paid by the state.
The excitement having subsided, and the outside troops
departed, matters went along more quietly for a time, although
many warlike incidents were continually happening. On Sept.
21, Asa Richards and Peter Oat ^ went in a whale boat to the
Mussel Ridges to get a supply of fish for our soldiers at the forts.
They had loaded their boat with cod, hake and haddock and
turned its prow towards Camden, and were passing Fisherman's
Island, when they saw an English cutter carrying a one-pound
swivel mounted on its bow, and accompanying six English barges.
Discovering Richards and Oat they gave chase and soon over-
hauled them, although they pulled hard in an effort to escape.
As they came alongside, the Englishmen inquired, "Where do
you hail from ?" " From Camden," answered Richards. " Why,
that place is taken," continued the English spokesman. "No,
it ain't," rephed Richards. Without further remark the English
barge took the whale boat in tow and taking it to Fisherman's
Islands, unloaded the fish, and preparing a meal, the 100 men,
which the barges and cutter contained, sat upon the ground and
partook of the same. After finishing their meal, the marauders
started off in pursuit of an American schooner which was approach-
ing, and having taken her, beached her on the .island. She
proved to be an East Thomaston vessel commanded by Capt.
Thomas Crockett of that place. Shortly afterwards they captured
a " pinky" stem fishing craft from the same place. When dusk
of evening came an English officer, Lieut. Robbins, with four
marines, stepped into the whale boat and ordered Richards to
assist in rowing. Richards replied that being a prisoner he should
not row. The others rowed and Oat steered for Owl's Head,
being ordered to do so. They then stood in for Lermond's Cove,
1. His father spelled his name after the German mode, viz. : Ott. By
some of the family it has also heen spelled Ote.
178 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
(Rockland) but on being told by Richards that they were liable
to run into danger there from the artillery on guard, they waited
for the other boats to come up and headed for Clam Cove. Ira "
Brewster and Crowell Jones were on guard as minute men, on
Jameson's Point, and hearing the splashing of oars, but being
unable to see the boat in the darkness, they fired at random, one
of the shot striking an oar. One of the barges coming up, the
inquiry was made as to what the trouble might be, when Lieut.
Robbins exclaimed, "Why, the d d Yankees are bush fight-
ing us ! Pull to your oars, boys, and get out of the reach of
them." The surgeon's boat next coming up declared that they
were near being taken. Oat's vision being poor he declared
that he could not steer any longer with safety, so Richards took
the helm and steered for Beauchamp Neck, hoping that they
might be overhauled by our minute men. None, however,
appeared and he was next ordered to steer for Mark Island ; thence
for Laisdell's Island, the lieutenant continually flashing his pistol
as a guide for the barges. They then landed, and Richards, with
four of his men, went to the house on the island, occupied by
one Whaling, while the rest remained in the boat. Arousing
the inmates of the house, with whom Richards was acquainted,
they were admitted and beds prepared on the floor, where Rich-
ards and the officers lay down to sleep, while the rest returned to
the barges. In the morning the officers sent the boy of the
house to the 'potato patch to dig potatoes for their breakfast, for
which they paid a liberal price. They also purchased all the
butter they could get for the force at Castine, the woman of the
house churning an additional quantity, making the whole aniount
to $45. The reason for the care taken by the 'officers to pay
liberally for all they got, was, that the islands were considered
neutral territory. A month later, as shown by a proclamation of
Gen. Gosselin dated at Castine, Oct. 31, the islands were consid-
ered British territory. When the company was ready to leave the
island, the officers wished to retain Richards as a pilot and offered
WARLIKE ADVENTURES 179
him five guineas for his services for a four days' cruise on a forag-
ing expedition, but he told them that they did not have money
enough to bribe him to thus prove a traitor to his country. Find-
ing that his loyalty to his native land could not be purchased,
they gave him a gumea for piloting them the day before, paid
for the fish they had taken, put a dozen oars, taken from some of
their prizes, into the boat and allowed Richards and Oat to return
home. Arriving safely in Camden, they at once notified the
military authorities of the intention of the marauders to land at
Northport the following morning.
Major Jonathan Wilson and Lieutenant Brooks, acting
upon the advice given, prepared to march to Saturday
Cove ^ at dawn, about 100 men volunteering for the occa-
sion. Messengers were sent out to alarm the country, and the
Belmont and Searsmont companies under Capt. Timothy Dunton
of Searsmont, started for the place designated. The 1st Lincoln-
ville Company under Capt. Josiah Stetson, Lieut. Paul H. Stevens
and Ensign Josiah Palmer, numbering about 37 men, and the 2d
or Ducktrap Company, commanded by Capt. James Mahoney,
were mustered, ready to march at the appointed time. The next
morning, Sept. 23, one, Zachariah Lawrence of Northport, saw two
of the barges approaching Saturday Cove, and taking his gun, he
went to the shore to watch their manoeuvres. As they came
nearer he saw that they were armed and dressed in uniforms.
When they- got within hearing distance, he began to give
oS mihtary orders from the bushes where he lay, as if command-
ing a large force. He then fired from the bushes, and quickly
dodging to another position, repeated it, and thus convinced the
men in the barges that they would have to land in the face of a
1. Saturday Cove is said to have derived Its name from the fact that
while James Miller, the first settler of Belfast, was moving his family from
New Hampshire to Belfast in 1769, the vessel put In there supposing it had
arrived at Its destination, but when the fog cleared away the mistake was
discovered, and the day of its arrival being Saturday, the place was called
Saturday Cove, which name it still retains.
180 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND EOCKPORT
numerous company. The barges then withdrew to wait for the
others to come up, when Lawrence waded into the water and
shot at them until they were out of range. He then ran back
from the shore and informed Alban Elwell, West Drinkwater,
Solomon Frohock and David Alden of what was going on and
urged them to get their guns and be ready to meet the enemy,
should they try again to land. Shortly after, the third barge being
added to the number, the crews consisting of about 30 men,
headed by Lieut. Robbins, effected a landing. Lawrence and
Elwell tried to annoy them by firing a few shot, but were com-
pelled to retire before the fire of the swivel and muskets. A
one-pound shot from the swivel lodged in the house of Capt. Amos
Pendleton and another in the house of Jones Shaw, Esq. No
further resistance was made and the enemy went to Mr. Shaw's
armed with swords, guns and pistols, frightening the women of
the house, who fled to the woods a short distance away. They
accused Mr. Shaw of being concerned with Lawrence at the shore,
and although he denied it, they cuffed, shook ^nd otherwise
mistreated him. They then demanded entrance to Mr. Shaw's
store in the basement of his house, and before he could unlock
the door, they broke through the windows, provided themselves
with trousers, shirts, hats, stockings and other clothing, and
taking Mr. Shaw into custody, marched him around the neighbor-
hood as a prisoner. While these things were taking place, the
British remaining in the barges, amused themselves by firing
shots from the swivel at the various houses in the vicinity. They
then visited the house of Capt. Amos Pendleton. As they entered
the front door, the captain fled out of the back door, and while
fleeing they fired several shots at him, one ball passing through
the leg of his trousers. The breakfast table being ready, the
uninvited guests sat down and finished a meal, and then ran-
sacked the house, taking away with them a valuable watch, ^ a
1. It Is said that Capt. Penclleton afterwards went to Castlne and re-
gained liis property.
WARLIKE ADVENTURES 181
pocketbook containing papers of value, a hat, boots, provision
and bedding. They next visited the house of Capt. Aaron
Crowell, who was at that time in Dartmoor prison, and used in-
sulting language to Mrs. Crowell, who fearlessly resented it.
After taking some clothing worn by Mrs. Crowell at a wedding
the day before, and some other things, they went to another
house and ripped open the feather-beds and scattered the feathers
to the wind. They continued to go from house to house com-
mitting similar depredations, until one of their number, who was
on guard, gave the alarm that our military companies were
approaching, at which they fled to their barges and succeeded in
getting aboard just as the Lincolnville companies appeared and
beg-an firing at them. While these companies were exchanging
shots with the marauders, the Camden company also arrived and
began to fire in a lively manner. The barges made haste to get
out of range, keeping up a fire from the swivel and guns all of
the time. The barges then crossed over to Long Island and
landing there, washed the blood out of their boats, after which
they headed for Castine. ^ Other troops now arrived until there
were between three and four hundred present at the scene of the
skirmish. None of the Camden soldiers were wounded by the
British shots, and they returned home, well pleased that their
timely arrival prevented further depredations. The British when
landing at Northport pretended that they were looking for smug-
glers whom they thought they saw enter Saturday Cove. The
citizens of Northport lost between $300 and |400 on account of
the British barges. ^
While the British were at Castine, other foraging parties fre-
quently visited the western shore of Penobscot Bay, and often met
1. Several years after the war a Lincolnville sea captain happened to
run across one of the ofBcers concerned in this raid and while talking about
it, the offtcer said that it was an expensive expedition for the British, as sev-
eral of their numher were killed by the shots of the American soldiers.
2. The depositions of Amos Pendleton and Jones Shaw relative to this
affair, will be found in the report of the Committee on Claims, made at the
1st session of the 34th Congress, March 31, ie56, House of Reps. No. 10.
182 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
very warm receptions from our outraged people. One incident
is of a British privateer called the "Thinks I to Myself," of about
60 tons burden, that had been foraging along the coast and
finally anchored at Clam Cove, near Jameson's Point, and sent a
barge ashore to pillage the inhabitants in that neighborhood. As
the vessel came to anchor our people, surmising what her inten-
tions were, gathered in quite a company, armed and determined
to fight the marauders if necessary. Concealing themselves be-
hind large rocks, stumps and bushes near the shore, they waited
until the barge was within range and then sent their leaden hail
among its crew compelling them to hastily retreat to the priva-
teer. The vessel then opened fire with her twelve-pounders, but
as no Yankee was in sight they soon ceased wasting their powder.
The only harm they did was to make a few perforations in a near-
by house. The Yankees, however, kept blazing away from their
various places of concealment, until the captain of the vessel and
several others were severely wounded. Deeming it too perilous
to fight unseen foes of such unerring aims, the enemy decided to
get out of reach of the far carrying guns of the patriots of Clam
Cove, and soon weighed anchor and headed for Castine.
Mr. Locke tells aq amusing incident occuring here in which
a certain wag by the name of Jeremiah Berry of East Thomaston,
was the actor. He was stationed here with one minute man as
orderly sergeant, and thought he would test the courage, vigilance
and qualifications of our soldiers on guard. So one dark night
while Joseph Stanford was on duty at Eaton's Point, Berry came
along and in a familiar way said to him, " Come, follow me."
Forgetting the rigidness of military discipUne under which he
was placed as sentinel, Stanford unhesitatingly obeyed the
surnmons and followed Berry, who led him into the barracks and
ordered him locked up until morning, when he brought him forth
and had him reprimanded by the commanding officer, for breach
of military discipline in leaving his post without conforming to
the rules. Having caught Stanford off his guard. Berry the
WARLIKE ADVENTURES 183
same night tried the same ruse on Simeon Tyler. Approaching
Tyler's station without a word, he was challenged by him, "Who's
there?" " The rounds " replied Berry, " What rounds?" "The
grand rounds." " Sergeant of the guards," shouted Tyler "ad-
vance and give the countersign." Not knowing the countersign,
(as he belonged to another guard) Berry began to advance with-
out saying anything, when Tyler ordered him to "stand." He
kept approaching, when Tyler cocked his gun and levelled it at
him. Berry paused and said "You know me!" " No, I know
nobody in the night." Standing where he was commanded to —
as he found the guard would shoot him, he was presently taken
under charge of the sergeant of the guard and ' marched into the
barracks where he remained until morning, to the amusement of
the guards. ^
1. The incidents related in this chapter are from Locke's Sketches,
pages 121-132, and are from statements made by Asa Richards, Ira Brewster
and by Wm. Ecla, Obed Smith, Capt. CroweU, and Levi Mathews of Lincoln-
vllle and other sources.
184 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXIV.
The Visit of the ' " Furieuse."
1814. While the British held Castine and other neigh-
boring territory, there was much smuggling between the United
States territory and " British" territory. On this subject Collector
Farley wrote from Wsldoboro to the Deputy at this port, as follows :
Capt. Calvin Curtis, Sir: — I have received your letter
relative to the Embargo, &c., &c. I have been necessarily absent
for some time past and have not had opportunity of writing to all
my Inspecting Officers. Mr. Holbrook, however, directed you to
stop all vessels, and in doing so you have done right. If any per-
son should have felt himself aggrieved and wanted immediate
relief, he should have come here. I have concluded to clear out
vessels whose employment has uniformly been confined to the
navigation of bays, sounds, rivers and lakes within the jurisdiction
of the U. S. to any port or place between Cape Elizabeth and
Castine. Such vessels must, however, first give bond with two
or more sureties in a sum equal to $300 per ton and will then be
entitled to a general Permission ; they may then proceed on their
coasting business within the limits aforesaid, provided, they pro-
duce a manifest and enter and clear each trip; we must not, how-
ever, clear out provisions, or munitions of war in large quantities
to suspected places, within the limits aforesaid, nor at all if the
war vessels of the enemy are known to be hovering on our coast.
**********
As it respects the small craft that visit your harbor for the
purpose of going to mill or carrying home a trifle of provisions for
their own use, I think we may suffer this kind of intercourse to
VISIT OF THE FURIEUSE 185
continue as usual until we see something in it that looks suspic-
ious, but certainly all vessels large enough to have papers must
be under the restrictions of the bond as aforesaid. We must
spare no pains in carrying this law into effect, fully and fairly, and
if any person is disposed to growl or grumble under your administra-
tion of the law at your port, you can send them here, and say to
them they shall have every indulgence in my power to grant
consistent with the letter and spirit of the law — but the law
must be enforced with rigor, where rigor is made necessary by
the obstinacy of any person with whom we may have to d*.l.
If any vessels with a register or sea letter should call at your port,
you will stop them and send them here if they are not already
cleared out under this law, vessels in the service of the revenue
excepted, and except also vessels belonging to foreigners that
may have just arrived from foreign ports.
The fees are the same as under the old Embargo, viz.: For
every Bond, 40 cts.; General Permission, 20; Clearance (above
SO tons) SO ; ditto (under SO tons) 2S ; for every certificate of
the landing of a cargo, if the Master requires it, 20 cts.
Yours &c., &c.,
J. Farley, Collector. *
Some of the smugglers were in the habit of rendering "aid
and comfort to the enemy " by supplying them with provisions
and other necessary stores, and when they were intercepted by
the watchful American officials it was unpleasant to the British.
The enemy, however, was sometimes annoyed to a greater degree
by having some valuable prizes captured by a few hardy and fear-
less sailors or fishermen. That such prizes were frequently taken
and had considerable influence in bringing the war to a close, is
shown from the fact that it was urged in Parliament, as a reason
for closing the war, " that the Yankee fishing boats were capturing
many of their most valuable merchantmen." That the people
along this coast should engage in their share of adventures of this
sort, goes without saying, and one of them came near resulting in
the destruction of Camden harbor village. It happened in this
way : In the latter part of October of this year, Maj. Noah Miller
1. See Locke's Sketches, page 132.
186 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
left Northport in a "reach-boat" with the following armed crew:
West Drinkwater, Kingsbury Duncan, Jonathan Clark, Samuel
Duncan and John Duncan, to cruise in Belfast Bay and vicinity
for the purpose of preventing supplies being carried to the British
at Castine. Although they cruised all night between Belfast and
Castine, they captured nothing. In the morning (Nov. 1, 1814)
they saw a British sloop at the northern end of Long Island, mak-
ing for Castine, and started in pursuit, overtaking her
at 'Turtle Head. ^ As they approached they fired a
gun and ordered the Britisher to heave to, but the
captain, at first, refused to obey, ordering them in a threatening
manner to " be off." Threats, however, availed nothing when
dealing with men like Miller and his crew. Miller ordered his
men to row alongside and board the sloop, which they did with
promptness and vigor, taking charge of the vessel without difR-
culty. The sloop proved to be the Mary from Halifax, and had
on board a rich cargo of bale goods valued, according to the
invoice, at $40,000, Capt. Benj. Darling, master, and one Mc-
Waters, supercargo, and its destination was, of course, Castine.
It seems that the vessel had got separated from its convoy in the
fog, when near the southern end of Long Island, and sailed up
the western side of the island while the convoy passed up the
eastern side. After the capture of the sloop, the supercargo
offered Miller ;^ 10,000 for her ransom, but he refused as he had
agreed to share the profits of the venture with his crew. The
vessel was then taken to Northport, and at the urgent request of
the supercargo, he and the "king's agent" were set ashore there
promising to return aboard again at Lincolnville ; instead, how-
ever, they started for Castine to give the alarm to the British.
Miller next went to Duck Trap, and asked advice at the store of
1. Turtle Head was named by Capt. Pownall at the same time he named
Owl's Head. He says, " About opposite the ridge Sailed Meguntlooog,
begins the south point of an Island which lies lengthwise in the middle of the
Bay, is about 12 miles long and is called Long Island. The north point from
the shape which it makes from sea exactly resembling a turtle, we called
Turtle Head."
VISIT OF THE FURIEUSE 187
John Wilson, how to proceed, he having no commission from the
government. At Wilson's advice he applied to Maj. Philip
Ulmer, who was Deputy Inspector of Customs at that port, who
went on board the sloop and declared her a prize of the United
States. Ulmer then took the helm and proceeded to Camden,
while Miller came here on foot. Josiah Hook of Castine, Collec-
tor of the Penobscot District, was at the time in Camden, because
of the presence of the British in his own town, and when the
sloop arrived at the wharf here, he and other revenue officers at
once went on board and declared the vessel and cargo forfeited to
and confiscated by the United States. The cargo was then
ordered unloaded and transported by teams to Portland, by way
of Warren and Newcastle. Four hours after the vessel's arrival, at
3 o'clock in the afternoon, the cargo, which consisted principally
of satins, laces, shawls, clothing, cloth, etc., was on the road to
Portland, all the teams in this vicinity being called into requisi-
tion for transporting the goods. Our people were very apprehen-
sive of trouble with the enemy on account of the seizing of the
sloop and its valuable cargo and the selectmen would not allow
the vessel to remain in our harbor after the cargo had been re-
moved. Anxious to get rid of it, before the British authorities
should learn of its disposition, the town officers hired Jonathan
Clark, Samuel Duncan and Kingsbury Duncan, to take the vessel
around to the St. Georges river and hide it, paying them fS.OO
each for the service.
As Maj. Miller had no authority from the government to
take prizes from the British and had, in so doing, laid himself
liable to the infliction of a heavy penalty, Collector Hook made
him out a revenue commission, dating it back fifteen days to
cover the time of capture and give the appearance of legality to
the act. Miller and his crew supposed that his commission
as major gave him authority to act as he did, and the
collector was willing to help him out of his difficulty. The sloop
and her cargo was sold the following January for $69,790.64 and
188 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKFORT
deducting the expense of the confiscation and sales, the net pro-
ceeds were $66,426.34. One half of this sum was paid into the
United States treasury, and the other half divided as follows :
Miller and Hook, 114,106.58 each; Miller's boat's crew, $1000
apiece ; ^ and Maj. Ulmer also received $1000.
The apprehensions of our people that the bringing here of
the captured Mary would cause trouble to Camden was not with-
out reason, as was shortly made evident. When Mc Waters and
the " king's agent" reached Castine and reported the loss of the
sloop and its valuable cargo, the British were greatly enraged, and
the frigate, Furieuse ^ of 38 guns, commanded by Capt. Mouncey,
was at once despatched to recapture her if possible, and on the
morning of Nov. 2, she made her appearance in the ofSng,
headed for Camden harbor. Watchers on Mt. Battie apprised
the townspeople of the frigate's approach by raising a flag, and at
the signal many of our people began to leave town with their
families and effects for places of safety in the interior towns.
Many had left the night before and the town had a deserted, not
to say evacuated, appearance. In so great haste did some of the
people leave that their Uves were endangered thereby. One lady
(Bathsheba Thomdike) was so unfortunate as to break her leg,
and another fleeing in a chaise nearly lost her Ufe through s,ome
defect in the highway.
The Furieuse came down the bay deliberately and hove to
just outside of the ledges at 1 o'clock P. M. and Lieut. Sandou
was sent ashore in a barge, with a white flag. The. barge was
met in the harbor by a boat sent from the shore, in which were
Collector Farley, Col. Foote, Lieut. Russ and others, also bearing
a flag of truce. The demand made by the captain of the frigate
1 Theinjnstieedone to Miller's crew, in nor, being paid an equal shave
wlthMillerof the proceeds of the prize, as promised, was considered hythet
34th < ongress, hy which the survivors and heirs of the crew had refuuded to
them the money paid to the government in 1816, viz : $33,213.17.
2. The Furieuse was a French-huilt frigate and was originally a part of
the French navy. She was captured by the English, after which, shebecame
an English man-of-war,
VISIT OF THE FURIEUSE 189
as presented by Lieut. Sandou, was the delivery of the captured
vessel or $80,000 to Capt. Mouncey within a certain specified
time, or Camden and Lincolnville would both be laid in ashes.
The demand was taken to the town authorities and a public meet-
ing was called to determine upon what course to take in the
emergency. The matter was discussed and Capt. John Pendleton
is said to have favored making the attempt to raise the $80,000, while
Oakes Perry opposed the proposition, saying that that sum would
more than pay for all the houses they would destroy. At last the
concensus of opinion seemed to be that a committee should be
chosen to wait upon the captain of the hostile vessel and explain
that it was impossible for the town to restore the vessel and goods,
as the sloop was out of reach and the goods carried out of the
town. Selectman Robert Chase and Col. Foote were then chosen
and despatched in a boat to the frigate with the message. The
boat came alongside of the frigate and the messengers went on
board, leaving those who had accompanied them, in the boat.
Lieut. Robbins, with whom we became acquainted in a preceding
chapter, looked over the rail and recognized, among the boat's
crew, Asa Richards, and exclaimed, " Hello, there is our pilot."
Calling him aboard he took him aside and offered him a sum of
money to reveal to him the whereabouts of the captured goods.
" I don't know where they are," replied Richards, "as they are
scattered all over the country, and as for collecting them togeth-
er, it would be as impossible as it is to collect the bones of Capt.
Cook, which were dispersed over the Sandwich Islands."
" Well," replied the British lieutenant. "We'll not ask you
about the goods if you will only tell us where Miller is!" " I
couldn't answer that question either," responded Richards, " but
what would you do with him in case you should catch him ? " ' 'Why,
we'd hang him as a pirate," was the reply. They then discussed
the cannons on the mountain, the British officers laughing at the
idea that they could do any execution, and the Yankees telling
them that they were likely to get some messages from the twelve
190 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
and eighteen pounders that would compel them to entertain the
opposite opinion.
Foote and Chase were still in the cabin arguing with Capt.
Mouncey, when arowboat with something in tow was seen approach-
ing from the bay. Being suspicious of its appearance, a cannon
shot was fired athwart its bow, when the rowers in the boat ceased
rowing, and after examining the boat with a glass the officers
decided it to be harmless and allowed it to pass. The occupants
of the boat proved to be Thomas Gilkey and one Pendleton from
one of the islands in the bay towing a raft of logs to Camden.
The Captain and the committee were unable to come to any
satisfactory understanding, and the latter were allowed to depart
with the promise to return with an answer by 9 o'clock that even-^
ing or leave some hostages on board. At 9 o'clock no answer
could be delivered, and Robert Chase, the first selectman of the
town and Benjamin Cushing, the leading business man of the harbor
village, went on board as hostages agreeably to the promise given,
and the conference with the officers of the frigate continued to a
late hour, the hostages being detained on board. The next day
being rainy they remained on board until the following day. In
the meantime the town authorities obtained a three days delay
to enable them to consider what could be done, the hostages re-
maining on the frigate in the meantime.
Castine had become quite a gay resort tor the officers of the
British army and navy. A temporary theatre was opened and
there was music and dancing. ^ This would of course, indicate
that the wives and female relations of the officers were there.
That this was the case seems to be further indicated by the following
incident: During the time that the aforesaid negotiations were pend-
ing between the naval and town authorities, a British officer and his
lady made their appearance in the village and went to the inn
kept by John Eager (the present Bay View House). We are
not informed how they reached Camden. It is possible that the
1. Abbott's History of Maine, page iiS.
VISIT OF THE FURIEUSE 191
lady may have come on the Furieuse on this excursion across the
bay to Camden, or they may have come by some other vessel or sail
boat arriving here at or about the same time that the frigate arrived.
Mr. Eager who also had a store in Camden and another in Hope,
was at the latter place, where he had gone with a load of mer-
chandise to save it from being taken or destroyed by the British.
When Mrs. Eager saw the unwelcome guests approaching, she
ran up stairs and seizing some articles that she valued highly,
hurriedly secreted them beneath the plank walk leading from the
house and in the wood pile and then went in to face the enemy.
The officer and lady entered and the latter with a haughty and
supercilious- bearing, walked about the house, examining the
mahogany furniture, pulling out bureau drawers and peering into
the china closets. She was evidently displeased to find any of
the occupants of the house present, wishing, no doubt, that the
place was deserted that she might take possession of whatever
pleased her fancy. The undaunted young mistress of the house
followed them around keeping a sharp eye upon their proceedings.
At last the Englishwoman turned upon her and with a lofty air,
asked, " Why are you here, do you not know that this town is to
be destroyed and that you ought to be seeking a place of safety?"
At that the officer, who had said but little also chimed in: " Yes,
madam, are you not aware that the town is to be bombarded and
burned before night? You had better leave at once." At this,
the brave Yankee woman,' drew herself up to the full height of
her small person, and pointing to an old fashioned perforated tin
lantern that was standing on the table replied, "Sir, you may
destroy the town but I shall not leave this house if you shoot the
front of it as full of holes as that lantern.." This unexpected
reply caused the arrogant English lady to completely collapse,
while her husband looking with admiration at the young American
woman, said, " Well, you are certainly the bravest little woman
I have seen for many a day." Shortly afterwards they left the
house unmolested, and went out to their vessel.
192 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXV.
THE WAR Closes.
1814. The thiee days respite having been granted by the
British commander, advantage was at once taken of it by our
mihtary authorities to arouse the country and collect a force to
oppose the landing of the enemy. Messengers were sent -post
haste to the surrounding towns and the local companies were
under arms. A battalion of Col. Thatcher's regiment, consisting
of the Waldoboro, Warren, Friendship and Union companies,
under Maj. Isaac G. Reed of Waldoboro, marched to Camden.
When in the neighborhood of Clam Cove, several British vessels
being in sight, Maj. Reed threw his forces into an open column,
with long intervals between the sections, so as to make as great a
display as possible. A.Belfast company, of which Major Noah
Miller was the commander, is also said to have been here, but
under some other officer. As the British were looking especially
for the Major and had offered a reward for his capture, he thought
it best that the places that had known him should know him no
more for a short time at least. Col. Thatcher came himself with
the Warren company, riding upon a beautiful white horse. As he
approached the place where Col. Foote's regiment was parading,
the latter thus sarcastically addressed his men : " No.w prepare
for the worst, for here comes Death riding upon his pale horse."
These two Colonels were rival members of the Bar and the story
goes that in a forensic debate a short time previous, an altercation
THE WAR CLOSES 193
ensued in which the somewhat free use of canes was indulged in
by both parties, resulting in an estrangement between the legal
brothers that was the cause of the formation of the new regiment
of which Foote became Colonel while Thatcher remained Colonel
of the original organization. On the arrival of Major Reed's
battalion, Col. Foote assigned quarters for them on Ogier's HiH,
while his own regiment was quartered in th^ old Meeting House.
The number of soldiers in town on this occasion is not given bx
any authority, but Mr. Locke was informed by one of the old
residents of the town, that in marching in platoons they extended
from the old Meeting House (near Park street) to the Megunti-
cook House. ^
While the militia were thus mustering, a small boat was
approaching the town from across the bay. As it arrived at the
place where the Furieuse was lying, Capt. Mouncey brought it to
and made inquiries as to the business of its occupant. Finding
that he was a Justice of the Peace by the name of Dorithy, going
from Sedgwick to Camden on some legal business, the Captain
permitted him to proceed, after making him promise to report to
him on his way back, the condition of the town and the strength
of the armed force assembled in the village. Concluding his
business in town, Squire Dorithy, before leaving, called at Mr.
Eaton's house and there, with the assistance of those present,
concocted a story to tell the British captain, to the effect that- the
streets were filled with soldiers, that the Meeting House was full
and that they were awaiting the discharge of the guns on the
mountain, at which signal they would rush to a specified rendes-
vous and be ready for battle, and that the same signal would call
large numbers from the back towns to reinforce them. On his
trip homeward the Squire called at the frigate in accordance with
his promise and informed the captain of the prepared condition of
the town and its formidable array of soldiers. Mouncey, evidently
believing the story, thanked him for his information and allowed
1. See Locke's Sketches, Page 141.
194 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
him to proceed homeward.
The respite now being nearly over, the people of the town
were convinced that the hostile frigate would soon begin to bom-
bard and burn the village, ai).d prepared for the worst. At one
time an alarm was given that the British were preparing to land a
force near Spring Brook and the drums aroused the sleeping war-
riors by " the roll " being called. The tired soldiers, many of
whom, as raw recruits, had marched from a distance, stumbled
from their bunks and hurriedly formed into ranks and started for
the supposed place of the enemy's landing, when the alarm was
found to be a false one and the order to march was countermand-
ed. When this alarm was given Capt. Curtis and several others
went upon Mt. Battle to see if everything there was in readiness
for action. Great was the captain's disgust to find only one man
there at his post, and he was asleep, while his comrades were
away attending a husking. The sleeper was aroused and the
remainder of the guard soon returning, all were reprimanded for
their dereliction of duty.
In the morning there was much excitement, and apprehen-
sion of an attack upon the town, and Col Foote is said to have
shared in the general agitation. Riding over to the parapet on
Eaton's Point, he is said to have addressed Lieut. Hanford as '
follows: " Should the English attempt to land, repel them if
you can ; but should you be under the necessity of retreating,
make good your escape to Hope, where you will find me at Simon
Barrett's." Going to the parapet on Jacobs' Point he expressed,
himself in a similar manner. Meeting an officer with some files
in his hands as he approached the' fort, he asked him: "What
are you going to do with those files ?" "I'm going to spike the
guns with them if we have to leavp the fort," replied the officer.
" Well, if you have to resort to that," rejoined Foote jocosely,
"you'll find me out back of Simon Barrett's barn." ^
1. There have been several versions of this story, all of which may be
as correct as ihe form given here. It is hardly prob ble that Col. Foote in-
THE WAR CLOSES 195
The minds of our people, which had been enduring so
great a tension for several days, were greatly relieved on Sunday,
Nov. 6, by seeing the dreaded war vessel depart without executing
its commander's threat to bombard the town. They wondered,
however, what would be the fate of the two hostages, Messrs.
Chase and Gushing, whom the British took away with them. As
the Furieuse sailed along the Dillingham shore. Major Wilson
kept along in the road abreast of it on horseback, wearing the
uniform of his rank, and just before reaching, what is now called
the "Sagamore Farm" house, and being a conspicious figure
from the frigate's deck, one of the vessel's gunners fired a cannon
at him. The ball fell short of its mark, and ricochetting, buried
itself in the ground a few feet away from the Major who put spurs
to his steed and got out of range of the shots of the frigate's play-
ful gunner.
After the departure of the frigate the military companies re-
mained in town until the following day when the out-of-town
troops were dismissed, leaving our minute men and the soldiers
in the forts to look after the further defense of the village.
The hostages were taken to Castine and kept there for ten
or fifteen days, the British hoping, by so doing, to recover the
value' of the prize. While there they lived at a private house, on
parole, and were well treated. They were granted a leave of
absence that they might visit their families, but when they re-
turned to Castine agreeably to their promise, they were informed
that their further detention there was unnecessary, as the question
relating to the prize was considered settled so far as Camden was
concerned, the blame not resting with the citizens of the town but
with Major Miller and the others concerned in its capture, for
whose apprehension a liberal reward was still offered. The
tended to inform his fellow soldiers that he was about to act the cowardly
part of hiding behind the barn of his friend Barrett, in Hope. Probably he
made some remark of the kind In a joking way, which was repeated, and
taken up by his political opponents, when it suiled them, for " cumpalgn
purposes."
196 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
hostages, being finally discharged from custody, returned to Cam-
den, where the wonted quiet once more reigned, and the ' exiles"
having returned from their places of refuge, in the neighboring
towns, the business of the village, interrupted by the incident, was
once more resumed.
1815. On January 28th, a meeting of the town was
called " To see if the town will remunerate Messrs. Benj. Gush-
ing and Robt. Chase, for their going on boardof the British frigate,
Furieuse, as hostages about the first of November last past, and
other expenses incident thereto, and raise money for the same."
The voters evidently decided that the chance to thus serve their
fellow-townsmen was compensation enough, for they voted sum-
marily to "dismiss the article."
The visit of the Furieuse was the last event of the war in Cam-
den. The treaty of peace was signed at Ghent on December 24,
1814, but the news did not reach this country for several weeks
afterwards, and not until one of the most important battles of the
war had been fought and won by Jackson at New Orleans. The
joyful news of peace reached Camden on February 14, 1815,
brought by the driver of the western stage, which arrived at mid-
night. The vigorous blowing of the driver's post-horn as he. rode
into town, aroused some of our citizens fropa their slumbers, who
immediately proclaimed the glad, tidings to their still sleeping
neighbors by the firing of guns, kindling of bonfires, and other
demonstrations of joy at the happy event. The 4-pounders in
the two forts next began to ro* and .continued to do so until
break of day, burning, in celebrating the dawn of peace, the now
useless powder furnished by the town. At spnrise Simeon Tyler,
with others, went up to Mt. Battle's summit to take charge of the
two 12-pounders and one 18-pounder, and make them proclaim
to a more extensive audience the fact that the longed for peace
had come at last. Says Locke: " As the largest piece belched
forth from its elevated position, in deep, thunder-hke tones, the
habitations below were shaken to their foundations, while the
^THfi WAR CLOSES 197
echo's reverberations were heard resounding over adjacent waters,
remote hills and distant valleys.. Thus through the day the firing
continued, from all the guns, and the tidings of peace thereby
became first announced to the inhabitants of the surrounding
towns. The day being spent in demonstrations of joy, the night
closed the exhibition by a public dance and a time of festivity." ^
The General Court appointed February 22, as a day of
thanksgiving which was generally observed. On April 25, the
British evacuated Castine. The place had been held by them for
a period of nearly eight months, to the affliction of its inhabitants
and the annoyance of the citizens of all the surrounding country.
With their depaiture the last reminder of the unhappy events of
the past three years was removed and thence-forward —
" No sound was lieurd of cl.ishlng wars;
Peace brooded o'er the hushed domain."
More than ninety years have passed since then but never
again has a hostile foreign soldiery invaded ou happy land. Thus
may it ever be!
The war being over the country began to recover from its
efiects;but it was a slow process. Such vessels as had escaped capture
were refitted for the sea and commerce revived, but the extensive
importation of European goods reduced prices so low as to check
home manufactures, and impair the value of wool, factories,
manufacturing stock, etc. At the same time there had been a
great deterioration of morals, inseparable from a condition of war,
induced by privateering speculation, smuggling and other illicit
trade, requiring for its counteraction, the organization of moral
societies, which, by meetings held, discourses delivered and
measures adopted did much for the repression of Sabbath breaking,
intemperance, profanity, gambling and other immoralities. To
all the embarrassments due to the stagnation of commerce, to war
and to immorality, under which the people of the country
had for a number of years been laboring, was added a
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 145.
198 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ^OCKPORT
series of poor seasons for agriculture. Some of the seasons
were too cold and wet for corn, and others too dry for potatoes
and grass. A three months drought prevailed throughout the
summer of 1813, less than one half the ordinary crop of hay
being harvested. The spring of 1815 was very backward, farmers
being obliged, late in May, to stop their plowing on account of
a severe snow storm. But the coldest and most disastrous season
on record was that of 1816, in which frost occured with more or
less severity, every month in the year. Haying did not begin
until the first of August, the corn crop was a failure, and but little
grain was raised. These disastrous seasons following the mis-
fortunes of the war and united with the general business de-
pression prevailing, caused much suffering and discouragement
among the people of our vicinity. ^ It is pleasing to note that
from this time the seasons were more favorable to the husbandman,
and fine crops were raised for many years, while at the same time
the moral tone of our people began to improve and our business pros-
perity began to keep pace with the general prosperity of our
young, vigorous and enterprising nation, during its "piping times
of peace," that followed.
At the state election held April 3, 1815, Camden's vote
for governor resulted as follows : " His Excel., Caleb Strong, 79
votes ; Hon. Samuel Dexter, 103 votes;" showing a large falling
ofi in the votes of both parties, from the preceding year. At the
town election held the same day the same town officials who had
so ably carried the town through the perplexities and dangers of
the preceding year, were re-elected. At this meeting, Frye Hall,
afterwards a prominent citizen of the town, was appointed one of
the committee on accounts. On May 14, a meeting was called
for the purpose of electing a Representative to the General
Court, but the town voted " Not to send any Representative to
the General Court this year."
The trouble between the town and its settled minister which
1. See Eaton's Annals of Warren Page 298
THE WAR CLOSES 199
had been brewing for some time, but had been lost sight of during
the psst year, in the more important and exciting events arising
from the war, now again forced itself upon the consideration of
our people and a town meeting was called for May 1, to see,
among other thmgs, " if ' the Town will instruct their Committee
to finish the business respecting the Dismissal of the Rev. Thomas
Cochran, or what they will do respecting the same." The
town voted that " the Committee proceed immediately on the
business as instructed by the former vote." At this meeting,
Jonathan Thayer Esq., was elected moderator, this being the first
time that the name of this citizen, afterwards so prominent in
this community, appears on the town records. At the same
meeting, Mr. Thayer was also chosen to look after a complaint
against the town relative to a defective road, at the next term of
court at Wiscasset.
This year Camden lost a prominent and useful citizen
by the removal to Wiscasset of Col. Erastus Foote.
Col. Foote was a native of Gill, Mass. In early life through
industry and energy he succeded in obtaining a good education,
although he never entered college. He studied law under Hon.
Samuel Hinkley of Northampton and was admitted to the bar in
1800. That same year he came to Camden and at once
entered upon a successful practice. Camden was at the time
without a resident attorney at law, Mr. Hathaway having died
a few months previous, and Mr. Foote thus became our second
lawyer. In 1811 he was appointed County Attorney for Lincoln
county, and in 1812 was elected State Senator. As has already been
related he served as Colonel of the fifth regiment during the war of
1812. He was exceedingly prominent in all our social, business
and political affairs while he remained a resident of the town.
After his removal to Wiscasset he continued to grow in prominence
both as a lawyer and a politican. In 1820, he was elected Senator
of the new state and the same year was appointed by Gov. King
Attorney General of Maine, which office he held tor twelve years.
200 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
giving tone and character to the criminal jurisdiction, honorable
to him and highly appreciated by the public. The late dis-
tinguished Chief Justice Mellen, had a high opinion of Col.
Foote's talents and learning in that department of the law, and
the eloquent Benjamin Orr, then at the hea,d of the Maine Bar,
used to say, "it is almost impossible to wrest a criminal out of
the hands of Bro. Foote." Yet no man could be more kind
when he thought an individual was unjustly suspected or vin-
dictively accused. He was the prosecutor of the guilty, but not
the persecutor of the poor and friendless. As a counsellor and
advocate he stood in the foremost rank, and that too, at a time
when there were many talented men at the bar of his county and
state. He was a man of fine natural endowments, and made the
criminal law in all its history and relations, the study of his life.
He was fundamentally and historically prepared for all possible
turns which his case might take, for all bars and objections that
might suddenly be disclosed. His own understanding always
penetrated the questions in issue. He was accustomed to con-
tend with the ablest lawyers, but, with a perfect mastery of his
cases, he had confidence in himself. He was cogent in argument,
terrible in sarcasm, often lofty and powerful in eloquence. Col.
Foote was prominent in Freemasonary, being of the first to be
initiated into Amity Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M., at the time
of its institution, and was its first secretary. He was the old
Lodge's third Master and served in that capacity three times.
Col- Foote was twice married, both wives being the accomplished
daughters of Major Carlton of Wiscasset. He was a genial man,
a veritable " gentleman of the old school," of iirbane manners,
of dignity of bearing, and of virtue of character. He died at
Wiscasset July 14, 1856, at the age of 78 years. °
5. The greater part of this sketch Is taken from the material gathered
from various sources by Mr. Locke and printed in his " Sketches," Piige 218.
From the same source, "Will betaken the most (-f the mate lial for our sketches
of many of the prominent citizens of the first half century of the town's
history.
PAROCHIAL TROUBLES 201
CHAPTER XXVI.
Parochial troubles.
1815. Agreeably to the vote of the town the committee
appointed to look after the question of dismission of the minister,
Mr. Cochran, proceeded to bring matters to a culmination and in
October drew up a lengthy and exhaustive report of their proceed-
ings in the performance of the duty assigned them. ^ From
this report it appears that on the 26th day of May, 1814, they
forwarded to Mr. Cochran the following notice :
To the Rev. Thomas Cochran :
The Committee appointed by the inhabitants of the Town
of Camden at a legal meeting held on the 4th day of May, instant,
in conformity with the foregoing Articles & Votes of said town
hereby transmitted for the information of Mr. Cochran, do hereby
give notice to the Rev. Mr. Cochran that agreeably to the call
and contract of Settlement between the town and their minister
aforesaid, of June, A. D., 1805, & in conformity with the fore-
going Articles & Votes the Settlement of Mr. Cochran over said
Inhabitants, as their Minister, and the Annual Salary arising out
of that Settlement, will cease from and after the expiration of six
months from the date of this information. And the Committee
further assure Mr. Cochran that they are ready at such time and
place as he may think fit to appoint, to meet him and the Church
or either of them, should Mr. Cochran desire it, for his own Con«- "
venience, to agree on a Council, Honorably and Amicably to
dissolve the connection. The Committee deem it their duty to
1. See Town Records, vol. I, pages 281,-289.
202 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
State to Mr. Cochran that such is the division in Religious opinions
among the Inhabitants & such' the' peculiar situation of said town,'
that this step ibecomes imperiously necessary in the opinion of
almost all the Inhabitants. The Committee tender', their thanks
to Mr. Cochran i for his Ministerial labours, for his friendly &
Neighborly advise, for his ' admonitions and "Counsels, whil^
Ministering over the town, i h i ■:■. ^ . ' . ' n i -
When this notice was handed to Mr. Cochran by Mr.
Robert Chase 'ih'thl fjresence di'Mr. Oakes Perry,""'Mr. Cochran
I'tatfed'to !Mr': Chaste " that the' town had acted agreeably to th^
Articles ofcontrkcf,' tho" it was i hard dase bri his |)art; he should
Waiit 'a CoTihcil & Wo"uld s6oii'Iet the Cotnmittee know." Expect-
ing ia^H-esi'fidm Mr. Cochran, the Committee delayfed takin^furthef
mSastires until'Dec- 1-2', 1814, 'wheh Mr. Joshua Dillingham and
CapL'^^Ho^^a Bates called-ufjon Mr" Cochran and handed him a
Writings to th^ effect, that nbt having- received any reply to 'thei?
former n6ti<ie,^'aiidit'beitig necfesskfy for the ComSaittee to make
a report to 'the 'town,'thby Wished Mr'. Cochran ''''to ' signify in
writing his Viewfe & wishes ih this business." Mr. Cochran then
kated-to'Ca^l.^Bates ihat "hd. considered the contract between
hirii and the-to#ii as' dissolved- & 'that he 'did not expect 'mor^
Salary & that lie wduld-con^ult his 'Churtfh' andgiVe'theCorhmittee
notice as' to ^h!e' Council.'"- The' repoi't then- goes on' to Say'- that
" ifter all thesg cdriVerfeations & 'with' a "full 'knowledge 'of the
agreement -of ' settlefiierit,' your ' Gomihittee werendt a little
asfoni'shfed on' Receiving from Mr. CoChfan " a Gommuhication"
as'-ftsllows-: ^ -■ - . ..,..,. ^.... ... . . i
'■ ' " ' " Camden, Dec. 27, 1814,
To the Community of the Town of Camden,. ' , J ,
'^' ' ' '^ "1 1 ■" ■'•• ■' •■'"■ Gentlemen:
By the Articles of Settlement between me and the Town it
was exprfessly.StipHkted thalt should the^Town afterwards be disi
satisfied with' me they- should have the right ! by giving" a six
months notice; to call a Council whoseduty itishould 'be : to dis-F
Bolveithe connection between me and the Town, unless such dis-
satisfaction should be' mutually accommodated. It -was. under^
PAROCHIAL TROUBLES 203
Stood by me at that time & I presume by the Gentlemen , Comi
mittee who acted, in behalf of ,the Town, that the Town- should
not only vote their dissatisfaction, but .express^' in,, their Vote the-
Causes, of their dissatisfaction, that I might have an opportunity
of .being heard before the Council, touching all Matters of
Grievance. . It appears by a Vote of the Town on the 4th of- May
last, handed me the 26th of the same Month, that a Committee
was appointed to dissolve the connection between me and the
Town.; but in the votes,, and transactions of ihe . Town, which
have been handed me, neither dissatisfaction nor the causes of it
are expressed.: *• . i ,
If the causes of dissatisfaction are such as to disqualify me
for the Ministry,. then it is a duty which tha Towa owe themselves
and the Church of Christ at large, to bring them before a Council
who have Power to deprive me of my ministerial office.- If not,
then, it is a duty which they owe me that the Council may Justify
and Recommend me to the improvement of other churches.
My character is to be tested by enemies, as well as Friends,
which makes it necessary that my dismission be ;not in sueh a
manner as to give people an. opportunity of assigning ■ whatever
cause might suit a spirit of malevolence. Therefore. I view it a
duty which. I owe my own character, the Church and Society with
which I-have been connected, to Request the Town tol act agree-
able to the Articles of Settlement, , viz : To Vote their ■ dissatis-
faction and the Cause or Causes of it ; and than I am ready and wIHt
ing to.fulfill my engagement with them, in uniting to call a Council
to dissolve the Connection.- , , ■ ^
I remain,, Qentlemen, with due Respect,
Your Humble Servant, ., .
THOMAS Cochran.
Notwithstanding the excellent and. adroit .argument
advanced by the reverend special pleader in thi^ letter,, the Com-
mittee say they considered it "as indirect Subversion to the Call,
Argeement.& Articles of Settlement." They therefore, . in_ be-
half of the town- called a. Council themselves, by. forwarding an
attested copy of the votes pf the town and a letter • to the Rev.
Mr. Huse of Warr,en,] fhe ,Rey. Mr. Mason of Castjne, the
Rev. Mr. Blood of Bucktown, the Rev. Mr. Loomis of
204 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Bangor and the Rev. Mr. Packard of Wiscasset, request-
ing them to meet as a council on the 1st day of the en-
suing June, at the dwelling house of Nathan Brown." A notice
of this Council meeting was also given to Mr. Cochran. At the
time and place appointed, three of the Council were present, viz :
the Rev. Mr. Huse, the Rev. Mr. Mason and the Rev. Mr. Blood.
The Report says: "Mr. Cochran also attended & protested
against their proceeding or taking any order on the business.
The Committee urged tjae terms of the contract between the
Town & Mr. Cochran & insisted that the town had done all con-
templated in the Call & Agreement of Settlement. To this Mr.
Cochran made many vague & trifling objections." The Council
then adjourned until July 4, and the Rev. Mr. Jenks of Bath and
the Rev. Mr. Brown of No. Yarmouth* were asked to join the
Council. When the Council met again Messrs. Huse and Pack-
ard were the only members in attendance. Mr. Cochran then
made additional objections to the proceedings of the town, " And
the Reverend Gentlemen closed the business by Recommending
to Mr. Cochran & the Town to come to a settlement," which was
a very easy way for the Council to dispose of the trouble. The
Committee closed their report by giving in detail the reasons why
they deemed it inexpedient for the town to take any further action
in the matter. Their report was accepted and they were relieved
from further duty.
181(5. Mr. Cochran dissolved his connection with the
Church and town in 1816, and the Church had no settled minister
for many years.
Mr. Cochran, owned and occupied the house still standing
on Mountain street and for many years known as the " Fay House."
This house is one of the very oldest houses in town and was
probably erected by Jeremiah Farnham an early resident of the
town. Mr. Farnham purchased the original " Fay Farm," partly
of the "Twenty Associates " and partly of Gen. Knox, and later
sold it to Mr. Cochran who in turn, when he left town, sold it to
PAROCHIAL TROUBLES
20S
Silas Fay. A greater portion of it remained in the hands of Mr.
Fay's descendants, until 1903 when it was sold to Mr. Wendell
Hull and others of Boston, who now own it.
The State Election was held this year on April 1, and the
vote for Governor stood as follows : Samuel Dexter, 107 votes;
John Brooks, 80 votes.
At the town Election held the same day it was voted to
choose five selectmen and three assessors. The officers elected
were as follows : Moses Trussell, Town Clerk ; Robert Chase,
Moses Trussel, Banajah Barrows, Wm. Parkman and Samue'l
The Coctiran-Fay Hovise.
Hale, Selectmen ; Robert Chase, Moses Trussel and Banajah
Barrows, Assessors ; Nathan Brown, Treasurer. At this meeting
it was voted to raise $100 to purchase a fire engine for the use of
the town, and at a subsequent meeting the amount was raised to
$200.
The town again voted not to send a Representative to the
General Court.
On May 20, a meeting was called to vote again on the
question of asking the General Court to assent to a separation of
206 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the District of Maine from Massachusetts, and. of , the ',' Erection
of said District into a separate State.'- The town was against
the proposition and voted not to separate 83- to 37.. .
This question, . however, like -Banquo's ghost, would not
" down" and in the following August • it came up again. This
time the vote stood 95 against separation and 32 in favor of it.
On Nov. 4th was held the election for a Representative .to
Gongress, and Benjamin Orr received 67 votes, while his opponent,
Erastus Foote, a former citizen of the town, received 54.
This year the lasfj reminders of the late war were ■ remove4
from the towp by the three cannon- on the mountain being taken
down and carried to Portland or.Boston^ , -
' For some time past the town meetings had been held at the
''■Masons Hall" .which was the- hall in the old- wooden building
on Maine street, destroyed , in , the .great fire of' 1892, and
which stood on the site of the present Masonic Temple, that
being the principal hall in town.
This year John Nicholson, a prominent citizen and leading
merchant, left town to travel in the South in pursuit of health,
being afflicted with a disease of the lungs. He was not success-
ful in his quest and shortly afterwards fell a victim of the disease.
Mr. Nicholson was brought up by Col. Head of Warren, and was
for a number of years a clerk in his store. He came to Camden
about the year 1808, and opened a West India goods and grocery
store in what has since been known as the Daniels store on the corner
of Elm and Chestnut street. He afterwards built the block ■ on
Main street now known as the Perry Block, where G. E. Rollin's
grocery store now is, and traded there. He was an enterprising
merchant and became largely 'interested in navigation. He
married Miss Maiy Hartwell of Princton, Mass.
In the old part of Mountain Cemetery where —
" Each In Ms narrow cell for ever laid,
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep,"
can be found a broad slate-colored headstone upon which is
PAROCHIAL TROUBLES 207
inscribed : —
Phineas Bowers, Esq.
Died Sept. 23, 1816,
'" Aged 44. '
Mr. Bowers was one of four "brothers, Phineas, John, Joseph
and Oliver, who came^from Groton, Mass., hither about the year
1795. • , ■ : .
Phineas Bowers was one of the leading business men and a
very influential citizen of the town during the early years of the
century. When any crisis impended, Mr. Bowers was one of
the men to whom the people loo'ked and it has been seefi that he
served on important committees of the town' during the exciting
times preceding' the hostilities with Great Britian. Mr. Bowers
built for a residence the large colonial house that used ' to stand
on the easterly side of Chestnut street nearly opposite fhe resi-
dence of the late ' T. R. Simohton. In later years it was
known as the Barbour House," and was demolished about the
year 18f83', the lot having been purchased by Mr. Simonton.
Mr. Bowers had one daughter, Arathusa, who' married Mr.
Benj. J. Porter".
Of the brothers of Mr. Bowers, Oliver died unmarried shortly
after coming here. ' , .
John was an Innkeeper and for a time owned and kept an
Inn in the " Old Foote 'House." He afterwards built the house
on Mechanic street now occupied by Mrs. 'Win. H.' Bowers.
''-'• Joseph was a carpenter and builder and many of the' private
and public buildings of the town erected during the first forty
years' of the niheteenth century are evidences of his ' handiwork.
In company with Tilson Goiild he built the Congregational
meeting house in 1834. He died, May 28, 1840, aged 72 years
and '8 months. He married Lucy Coose of Gloucester, Mass.,
and was the' 'father of five children, viz: Rodolphus, Oliver D;
Jbseph H., Samuel C. and Katherine, who married Israel Perry.
Joseph Bowers is the ancestor of all the people of the name
208 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
of Bowers, now or recently living in Camden and Rockport, except
the late Wm. H. Bowers of Camden who was a descendant of
John Bowers.
1817. The vote for Governor this year at the State
Election held April 7th resulted as follows: — "His Excel'y
John Brooks, 82 votes; Gen. Henry Dearborn, 87 votes."
At the town election held that day the voters went back to
the old custom of electing three Selectmen, Assessors, etc., and
Robert Chase, Moses Trussele and Banajah Barrows, were selected
for those ofRces. Mr. Trussele was also again elected Town
Clerk, while Lewis Ogier was chosen Treasurer. , Jonas Wheeler,
afterwards a prominent citizen of the town and state, was elected
one of the Highway Surveyors, his name thus appearing for the
first time on the town records.
This year the great wave of social and moral reform that
was sweeping over the country reached Camden, and resulted in
the calling of a town meeting, July 12th, '' To see what
measures the town will adopt for the purpose of preventing Re-
tailers within the town of Camden, selling spiritous liquors to be
drank, or entertaining, or suffering any Person or Persons to
drink the same within their Shops ;" also, " To see what further
measures the town will adopt for the suppression of intemperance."
On the above subjects the town voted, " That there be a Com-
mittee of three, viz : Ephraim Wood, Oakes Perry and Tilson
Gould, in addition to the Selectmen, to carry into effect the laws
of the Commonwealth Respecting the Retailing and drinking of
Spirituous liquors within the Stores or Shops in the said town."
They then voted to add two more to the Committee, viz : Wm.
Parkman and Alden Bass, and further voted that a cppy of these
votes " be put in every store in the place." This is the first
public action, of which we have a record, taken by the people of
Camden on the subject of intemperance and liquor selling.
Prior to this time liquor was sold as freely as molasses by all
the grocers. It could be bought by the glass to be drunk in the
PAROCHIAL TROUBLES 209
Stores, or in bottles or jugs to be taken away, and nothing was
thought of it. Nearly all our people kept liquor at their homes
and had it upon their tables and sideboards. Even the ministers
of the gospel and deacons of the church thought nothing of taking
a social glass, and the Masonic Lodges appropriated money
that their Stewards might keep on hand a supply of wines and
even stronger fluids. ^ Considering the customs of the day and
the ideas that then prevailed on the subject of liquor drinking,
this action of the town was a more or less bold and radical step,
and indicates that the social and moral status of the town was
much in need of reformation.
At the same meeting the town voted, " that the suit brought
against the town by the Rev. Thomas Cochran, be defended by
the Town," and the two lawyers of the town, "Jonas Wheeler
and Jonathan Thayer, Esqrs. " were appointed agents of the town
to look after the defense of the suit. This suit was the sequel of
the trouble between the town and its minister already related and
was brought to compel the town to compensate him for the
amount he claimed to be damaged by his dismissal, the year before.
At this time, there being trouble between Spain and Mexico,
an American privateer was fitted out at Baltimore and went to sea
under a Mexican Captain, with an American crew, to prey upon
Spanish vessels. Capturing a Spanish ship loaded with coffee,
cocoa, indigo and other trophical products, its cargo was trans-
fered to the brig, Catherine Shepherd, which had accompanied the
privateer, while the prize was taken to Mexico. The Catherine
Shepherd then sailed north and in May reached Green Island.
There she took a pilot who brought her to the port of Camden,
where she was boarded by Deputy Collector Curtis. The captain,
John A. Nartigue, a native of San Domingo, pretended that the
brig had put into this port in distress and that the crew had been
1. SeeRobinson'sHistory of Amity Lodge, No. 6, pages 15, 16,19,24. Some
of the old account books, now in existence, of the merchants of this period,
show that rum and other liquors were the chief commodities purchased by
many of our citizens.
210 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
on an allowance for seventy days. Mr. Curtis and Jacob Ulmer,
as Revenue officers, took possession of her as a smuggler and put
on board John Bowers and Simeon Tyler as keepers. Not having
anticipated this action and being in a fix, the mate, one Withing-
ton, attempted to bribe Tyler, with the ofier of a sum of money,
to allow him to slip the cable by night and escape. Tyler abso-
lutely and resolutely refused to be bribed, and the cargo was soon
afterwards discharged and stored in the cellar of the Masonic
building. The owners afterwards came and demanded the cargo,
and Collector McCobb of Waldoboro, in a letter dated May 20,
instructed "Capt. Curtis as follows: " Deliver to Capt. Nartigue
and Mr. Dickerman (or Dightmore, the super-ca^go, ) all the
merchandise now m your possession, imported in the brig, Cather-
ine Shepherd, excepting the following, viz : 1 Bale Cotton ; 1
Box Shell; 2 lbs. do. ; 1 Bag, ditto ; 2 bbls. Castor Oil." The
owners paid the duties upon the goods and took them away in a
vessel to New York. The officers and crew of the Shepjierd re-
mained here for several weeks, but the brig after lying in our
harbor for about a year was sold at auction. ^
1818. At this period the people of the town seemed to be
taking but httle interest in political matters and the vote at each
gubernatorial election for several years had been growing
steadily smaller. At the election held April 6, 1818, but 138 votes
in all were cast for Governor, which were nearly evenly divided
between the candidates of the two parties, Gov. John Brooks
having 70 and Hon. Benj. W. Crowingshield, 68.
At the town election on the same day, Moses Trussell was
again re-elected Town Clerk ; Robert Chase, Moses Trussele and
Daniel Packard were elected Selectmen and Assessors, and Oakes
Perry, Treasurer.
It was voted " To sell at PubUc Auction the Poor of sd.
town of Camden to the lowest bidder." Agreeably to this vote
the said " poor" were bid off by Mr. Abraham Ogier at $395 for
1. See Locke's Sketches, page 150.
PAROCHIAL TROUBLES 211
the year. For this sum he was to board and nurse them, the town
assuming all doctor's and clothing bills.
Notwithstanding the able counsel engaged by the town to
defend the suit brought by the Rev. Thomas Cochran, the
town was defeated and on Dec. 8th, it voted " To Raise a Sum of
Money not exceeding $1400, to satisfy the execution recovered
by Mr. Cochran, and the necessary expense attending the same,"
thus closing this very unpleasant, and to the town, expensive
incident. ^
1. Kev Thomas Cochran was a native of New Boston, N.H,, and was born
April 14, 1771. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College. His grandfather
was one of the memorialists from the north of Ireland who petitioned Gov.
Shute in 1718, as being desirous to emigrate " to that very excellent and re-
nowned Plantation," New England. Meeting with ihe desired encourage-
ment these memorialists, i>rincipally from Londonderry, commonly called
the Scotch-Irish, embirlced for New England wh re they arrived Aug. 4,
1718. The following year the principal part of them settled a plantation
in New Hampshire to which they gave the name of Londonderry. See
Locke's Sketches.page 84, Foot Note.
212 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXVII.
A NEW State.
1819. We have now arrived at an important period in the
history of our state. The question of separation from the mother
state of Massachusetts, had been agitated to a greater or less
degree at intervals, for many years, and, as has been seen, several
votes, at different times, had been taken upon it without result.
For some years prior to 1819 the District had been increasing in
population and importance with great rapidity, and then had
nearly 300,000 inhabitants, living in nine counties and over two
hundred and thirty towns. It is, therefore, not strange that the
sentiment favoring statehood should grow with the growth and
strengthen with the strength of the District, detached as it was
in territory from the state proper, and its people having little
community of interests with their fellow citizens dwelling in
Massachusetts. Maine now had six newspapers, three of which
were strong advocates of separation and through them and other-
wise, the agitation was kept up until at last seventy towns
petitioned the General Court, which action resulted in the pss-
sage of an act favoring the separation on condition that all the
public lands and buildings in Maine, not the property , of the
United States, be equally divided between the proposed new
state and Massachusetts. Maine was to have its proportion
of the military stock and one-third of all moneys which might be
reimbursed by the general government for war expenses.
A NEW STATE 213
In July, 1819, the citizens of the District once more voted
upon the question of separation, the precise question presented
to the voters on this occasion being : "is it expedient that the
District shall become a separate and independent state, upon the
terms and conditions provided in an act relating to the separation
of the District of Maine from Massachusetts proper, and forming
the same into a separate and independent state ?" The result of
the vote was that more than two-thirds of those voting favored
separation, and the several towns afterwards elected delegates to
a convention to be held at Portland, October 29, at which a state
constitution was framed, and said constitution was adopted by
the people in town meeting, December 6, 1819.
In the meantime the sentiment on the question of the sep-
aration had been changing in Camden, and when the question of
accepting the act came up for consideration the Camden voters
approved it by a good majority as will be seen.
In the gubernatorial election held on April 5, our voters
manifested even less than their usual interest in the result, Gov.
Brooks receiving but 54 votes and his opponent, Mr. Crowning-
shield, but 59, while Mr. Robert Chase of Camden had 1 vote.
At the town election on the same date the Town Clerk,
Selectnaen and Treasurer of the preceding year were all re-elect-
ed. The town voted to raise "in their Parochial Capacity," the
sum of $100 for the support of the ministry during the year.
May 10 the town, after more or less discussion, voted by a ballot
of 70 to 69, to send a Representative to the General Court. A
ballot was then taken, and Nath'l Martin was chosen Representa-
tive, having 79 votes to 31 for Jonathan Thayer, and 18
'"scattering."
At the meeting on July 26, to vote on the question of separ-
ation, there were 143 votes cast, 97 for the new state and 46
against it.
At the meeting held on Sept. 20, for the purpose of electing
a delegate to the convention to be held at the Court House,
214 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Portland, to form a constitution for the proposed new state,
Nathaniel Martin was chosen to serve in that capacity.
When the town voted on the adoption of the constitution of
the new state prepared by the delegates at the Portland conven-
tion the Town Clerk made the following record of that historical
event :
"At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Cam-
den, in the County of Lincoln, qualified to vote for senators,
holden on the 1st Monday of Dec, being the 6th day of said
month, A. D. 1819, for the purpose of giving in their votes in writing,
expressing their approbation or disapprobation of the constitutioti
prepared by the convention of delegates assembled at Portland on
the 2d Monday of Oct. last pursuant to an Act entitled ' an Act
relating to the separation of' the District of Maine from Massachu-
setts, and forming the same into a separate and independent
state.'
The whole number of votes given in said Camden were sorted
and counted in open meeting, and were 63 votes, of which 59
Were in favor of the constitution ■ adopted by the convention at
Portland, and 4 votes were opposed to said constitution.
A true Record,
Attest: MOSES TRUSSELL, T. Clerk." ^
A list of jurymen accepted by the town at this same meeting
is recorded upon the records, and among the names we find the
following that are familiar to us at the present day : Daniel
Andrews, Wm. Carleton, James Curtis, Wm. Eaton, Nath'l
Hosmer, John Harkness, Job Ingraham, James Simonton, Joseph
Stetson, Joseph Thorndike.
This year one of our citizens, Capt. Noah Brooks, who had
been prominent in the affairs of the town, removed to East Boston.
Capt. Brooks was bom in Scituate, Mass., where his ancestors
had been prominent for generations. ^ He came to Camden in
1. Town Eecords, Vol. I, page 350.
2. See Deane's History of Scituate.
A NEW STATE 2 IS
1806, and being a shipwright by trade, went into the ship build-
ing business in company with Benj. Gushing, and later carried it
on alone. He married Miss Esther Stetson of Scituate, by whom
he had eignt children. In the war of 1812 he was commissioned
a Lieutenant in Capt. Asha Palmer's infantry company in Camden.
After his removal to East Boston he carried on the ship-building
business for a number of years. He was elected a member of the
city council and afterwards a member of the Massachusetts Leg-
islature. He retired from active business in 1843 and removed
to Dorchester where he erected a fine residence. At his death in
1852 he was worth a fine fortune for those days.
At about this time, or possibly a little earlier, Famham .Hall,
another prominent citizen left town for Maiden, Mass., and after
remaining there a short time went to New York, where he estab-
'lished an agency of the Maiden Dye & Print Works, and soon
afterwards organized the New York and Staten Island Dyeing and
Printing Establishment, of which he was treasurer for a number of
years. For several years he was in the commission business with
Mr. William H. Bean, the firm name being Hall & Bean.
Mr. Hall was a native of Methuen, Mass., and was born
Feb. 2, 1778. He came to Camden about the year 1806, and-
went into trade. While here he was one of the leading men of
the town and represented Camden in the General Court. He
was a prominent Mason and was the fifth Master of Amity Lodge.
He also served several years as its secretary. During the last
ten years of his life he was not in business, but lived in the
country on a Staten Island farm, where he died March 13, 1850,
at the age of 72 years.
1820. The constitution having been approved the next
step was to seek admission to the Union as a state by an act of
Congress. At the same time Missouri was seeking admission as
a slave state. This aroused the anti-slavery sentiment in the
country to make a vigorous opposition, but the friends of slavery
were able to bring the question of the admission of the two states
216 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
before Congress, coupled together in one bill. After weeks of
strong and active effort the friends of Maine succeeded in getting
the two questions separated, and Maine was finally admitted to
the Union, as the twenty-third state on March 3, 1820.
At this time Camden had a population of 1828 and was the
second town in size and importance within the limits of what is
now Knox County, Thomaston, then including Rockland and
South Thomaston, being the first. The principal village in the
town was the " Harbor Village," Goose River not then having
begun to any material extent, the growth which it afterwards had.
The first gubernatorial election in the new state took place on
Monday, April 3, when Hon. Wm. King of Bath was elected our
first Governor. While in the past party spirit had run high and
at times party rancor had been very bitter, in the organization of
the new state, all political bitterness and asperity seem to have
been put aside and all elements joined in launching the State of
Maine on a sea of peace, harmony and good will, and Gov. King
received all but 1031 of the 22,014 votes cast.
The same spirit that influenced the rest of the state pre-
vailed in Camden and when the voters assembled at the Mason's
Hall, their balloting resulted as follows : For Governor, Hon.
Wm. King, ISO votes; Alden Bass 6, Oakes Perry 2, Joshua
Head, Esq., 1. Robert Ogier 1. For Senators, Nathaniel Green,
Esq., 196 votes; Benj. Gushing, Esq., 177, Erastus Foote, Esq.,
172, Edward Kellaren 17, William Norwood 1. For Representa-
tive, Jonas Wheeler, Esq., 131 votes; Ephraim Wood 22, Moses
Trussell 1, Jonah Howe 1, Nathaniel Martin, Esq., 1. For
County Treasurer, Joshua Head, Esq., 100 votes; Jonas
Wheeler, Esq., 1. ^
Jonas Wheeler, Esq., was, as the vote shows, the first Repre-
sentative elected by the voters of Camden to the Legislature of
Maine.
Following the old custom, the town election was held on
1. Town Eecords, Vol. II, page 7.
A NEW STATE 217
the same day, when it was voted to elect three selectmen and
three assessors as separate boards, and Robert Chase, Moses
Trussell and Daniel Packard were elected selectmen, and Hosea
Bates, Joseph Mirick and Daniel Packard, assessors. Moses
Trussell was selected for town clerk and Oakes Perry for treasurer.
Lewis Ogier took the collection of taxes at 3 per cent.
The following amounts were raised for various town purposes :
Schools, $800; Poor, $1200; Highways, $3000. Repair of
" Gaulbush Road," $150.
An agitation was started in the state to aboUsh the Court of
Common Pleas and substitute town courts in their stead, which
gained great headway, and on this subject we find Camden citi-
zens calling a town meeting on May 1, 1820, To see if the
town will Petition the Legislature of the State of Maine to aboUsh
the Courts of Common Pleas and estabUsh other Courts less expen-
sive," in favor of which the town voted.
A fire of considerable magnitude for that time occurred at
the Harbor Village on Dec. 25th, by which four buildings in the
business portion of the village were destroyed, viz.: the grist-mill
and saw-mill owned by Wm. and Joseph Eaton and Capt. John
Pendleton ; the tannery of Moses Parker and Robert Chase's
blacksmith shop. These buildings were situated on Megunticook
stream, extending from the present grist-mill on Main street back
to where the " Higgins stable" building now stands.
This year Camden lost another prominent citizen and busi-
ness man in the removal of Mr. Belcher Sylvester to Hanover,
Mass,, where he was bom in 1765. He was by trade a cabinet
maker, and came to Camden in 1795, where he went into the
mercantile business with hardly more than a " barrel of rum and a
piece of India cotton " for his stock in trade, those two commod-
ities being, in those days, considered sufficient with which to
begin business, and certainly very essential commodities with
which to start a successful trade. He began, his trade near where
the brick building of the Anchor Works now stands, but after-
218 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
wards built a store about on the site of the Carleton, Pascal &
Go's store on the comer of Elm and Mechanic streets. He also
built the building on the corner of Elm and Chestnut streets now-
owned by Mr. H. M. Bean. He was successful in business and
invested his surplus funds in real estate, in which he made lucra-
tive speculations. Mr. Sylvester was a man of steady habits,
disinclined to seek social or political distinction, but ambitious,
by close business application, to acquire a competency. He
never married and having accumulated a handsome property,
removed to his native town, and passed his last days among his
relatives and early associates. He died May 11, 1849.
1821. The annual town meeting this year was held ApriA
2, at which Frye Hall was elected Town Clerk and Treasurer. It
was voted to go back to one board, of Selectmen, Assessors and
Overseers of the Poor, but the voters had some difficulty in get-
ting men to serve. Several were elected who declined the honor
but finally a board was elected consisting of Jonathan Thayer,
Wm. Parkman and David Tolman. The name of Joseph Hall,
destined to be one of the most prominent men produced by the
town, appears upon the town records of this year, as one of the
surveyors of lumber.
This year the state election was held in September, as it is
at the present time. Once more we find a cleavage of political
sentiment among our voters, and where the year before Gov. King,
a Republican, had received nearly a unanimous vote, this year-
the vote for Governor was divided as follows : Albion K. Parris,
RepubUcan, 72 votes ; Ezekiel Whitman, Federalist, 59 votes.
Mr. Parris was elected. Jonas Wheeler was one of the senators
elected, and Ephraim Wood was elected Representative. This
year ten persons were licensed by the selectmen as retail liquor
dealers.
On October 27 of this year departed this life James Richards,
the first settler of the town, at the age of 78 ysars. He was buried
in the Richards family burying ground near the present Pearl
A NEW STATE ' 219
Street,, where nearly all his family were laid for many years. A
few years ago they were all removed to a lot in Mountain ceme-
tery. To Mr. Richards and his wife, Elizabeth, were bom the
following children: James Jr., John, William, Bridget (who mar-
ried Samuel Richards), Jacob, Moses, Mary (who married Phillips
CrOoker), Elizabeth (who married James Thomdike), Abraham,
Robert and Hezekiah. Mr. Richards' father (also named James)
and mother came to Camden and passed their last days with their
son and both now lie in Mountain cemetery.
1822. At the annual town meeting, April 1, Frye Hall
was again elected Town Clerk and Treasurer, and the Selectmen
chosen were, Robert Chase, Moses Trussell and David H. Tolman.
At the state election on Sept. 9, the town showed a stronger
Republican sentiment than the year before, Gov. Parris receiving
90 votes to 20 for Ezekiel Whitman. Jonas Wheeler was again a
candidate for senator, but was not elected this year. David Tolman
was elected Representative.
1823. The same Town Clerk, Treasurer and Selectmen
were re-elected this year at the annual town meeting held April 7.
At the state election, Sept. 8, " perfect harmony" prevailed so
far as the vote for Governor was concerned, for Gov. Parris
received every vote cast, to wit, 79. ^ Jonas Wheeler was this
year again elected Senator, while Frye Hall was elected Repre-
sentative with practically no opposition.
This year the first steamboat that ever entered Penobscot
Bay visited Camden. Tradition says that it was with a good deal
of trepidation that some of our people learned of her proposed trips
into our harbor and some thought that she ought not to be allowed
to come here lest she frighten away all the fish,but as has happened
many times since, when objections have been made to some
proposed innovation looking towards progress, the steamboat
came just the same. Her name was the " Maine," and she was
1. So popular was Gov. Parris' administration that he this year reoeived
all but 850 of the 19,400 votes oast in the state. In 1824 he received all hut 660
of the votes cast and lii 1825, all hut 1406.
220 HISTORY DF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
commanded by Capt. Daniel Lunt of Lincolnville. She was of
about 125 tons burthen. She connected at Bath with the steamer,
Patent, plying between that port and Boston. The Maine made
landings at Townsend, Owl's Head, Camden, Belfast, Castine,
Sedgwick, Cranberry Islands, Lubec, Eastport, and occasionally,
St. John. Some of the fares were as follows : From Bath to Cam-
den, $2.00; from Belfast to Eastport, $5.00; from Bath to
Eastport, $6.00. When the Maine first arrived at Camden, a
salute from a cannon announced that fact, and a great multitude
assembled at the shore to witness the approach of the new Ful-
tonian " craft, and many visited the vessel during its stay here
over night. Warren Ranson was the agent at this place. ^
This year Nathaniel Martin, who, for twenty years had been
as prominent, perhaps, as any citizen in all matters pertaining to
the town's interests and in every affair of importance in which the
interests of a public-spirited citizen should be enlisted, removed
to New York City where he engaged in a commission business.
Mr. Martin was born in London and came to this country when a
boy. In his early manhood he settled on Fox Island, where he
traded until 1803, when he transferred his business to Camden.
In 1806 he married Rhoda, sister of Col. Erastus Foote, by
whom he had three sons and one daughter. His name appears
many times in this history in connection with town affairs. For
many years he presided at the town meetings as moderator. He
was Representative to the General Court, a delegate to the Port-
land convention that adopted the Maine constitution, in 1819,
was selectman and, in short, occupied nearly every office of
importance in the gift of his fellow-townsmen, all of which he
administered with great ability. After going to New York he
introduced eastern lime into the market there, which soon super-
seded that of the North River quarries on account of its superior
quality. Mr. Martin was a man of urbane and polished manners,
a refined and courteous gentleman.
5. Locke's Sketches, Page 153.
A NEW STATE 221
Richard Conway, who was bom in Galloway, Ireland, in
1762, died June 27, 1823. He came to Camden probably not
far from 1800. He married Rose Ann Reddington and they
were the parents of five chidren, Hiram, William, Patrick, Fred-
erick and Joanna. Two of the sons, William and Frederick, figure
conspicuously in the town's history. He was a boat owner and
did a fishing business. Mr. Conway lived and his children were
bom in what was afterwards known as the "Patch House," situat-
ed on Mechanic street between the store of Carleton, Pascal &
Co. and the " Johnson Knight lot," and destroyed in the fire of
1892.
222 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXVIir.
Political Concord.
1824. Although Camden was, at the time of which we
are writing, one of the most important towns in this locality, and
numbered among its population many able and cultered men and
women, it is interesting to note how few and simple were their
necessities seventy-five or eighty years ago compared to the
present time. The two towns of Camden and Rockport today at
their annual town meetings, act upon long warrants containing
from forty to fifty articles each, and the aggregate amount now
appropriated each year by the two towns, for all the purposes for
which they find it necessary to raise money, is about 170,000.
How different it was in 1824. The annual town meeting, held
that year on April S, acted upon a warrant containing but eight
articles, and. the whole amount assessed upon the tax-payers was
$5,450,-13000 for highways, $800 for schools, |1S0 for a
bridge, and IISOO for other town expenses. Their roads cost
them the most, considerably more than all their other expenses
together, and the principal part of the business of the town at its
meetings since its incorporation, had been the acceptance of
roads previously laid out by the town officers, over different parts
of the large territory comprising the old township, made necessary
for the convenience of the settlers among the hills and valleys of
West Camden, Rockville, the Hosmer and other neighborhoods,
and to give the people of the "Harbor" and "River" villages
POLITICAL CONCORD 223
an opportunity to reach the adjacent towns and hamlets. The
building of these roads, no doubt, seemed a severe burden to
our fathers, and it is not altogether wonderful that they some-
times were complained about to the courts for not having as good
roads as the traveling public thought they ought to provide.
At this meeting Frye Hall was again elected Town Clerk and
Treasurer, and Nathaniel Dillingham, Edward Hanford and David
Tolman, Selectmen.
In August a meeting was called at which the town voted
" To raise the sum of Five hundred Dollars for a fine on the
Kennebeck Road."
The state election was held Sept. 13, at which Albion K.
Parris received 49 votes for Governor, and Ezekiel Whitman, IS.
Jonas Wheeler was one of the Senators elected at this election
and Frye Hall was elected Camden's Representative.
At this period in the town's history' it seemed to be the
rule for men of standing and ability who had served the town in
many capacities, and had rendered themselves almost indispensa-
ble as public servants, and to the political, business and social
life of the community, to move away to other states or to some
other portion of our own state. That was the case of Moses
Trussell, who, after faithfully serving his town in many capacities,
this year moved to Orland, and his name appeared no more upon
the town records. It is easy to understand the regret with which
his fellow-townsmen heard of Mr. Trussell' s determination to
leave. He was one of those efficient, all-around men who could
fit into almost any place where a man of parts was needed. In
addition he possessed good musical ability, and was an excellent
singer, which added to his popularity and usefulness in a social
way in the still young community in which he lived, and served
to make his loss more keenly felt when he moved away. Mr.
Trussell was born in Haverhill, Mass., March 27, 1766. He
came to Camden about the year 1792, and in company with
his brother, Joshua, carried on the Molineaux Mills, in which
224 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
they are said to have lost $1000 each at the time of the embargo,.
He married Miss Betsey Knight of Lincolnville, March 4, 1793, by
whom he had nine children. He had but two months of schoohng
in his hfe, for which he paid by working at Bluehill when a young
man, yet he acquired a good business education and was an
excellent penman. As we have seen, he was chosen Town
Clerk in 1800 and held the office in all some nineteen years. In
1804 he was chosen Selectman and held that office for sixteen
years. He was also several times elected Representative to the
General Court. He was greatly respected for his high personal
character and integrity, and took with him to his new home ''the
best wishes of his fellow-townsmen. He died in Orland, but
we are not informed as to the date of his death.
This year Capt. William Norwood, a citizen prominent in the
business life of the town, died on May 24 at the age of SS years.
Capt. Norwood was a native of Mt. Desert. He followed the sea
in early hfe, living in what is now the town of North Haven,
where he married Miss Deborah Winslow, Jan. 8, 1804. Hij
wife's ancestor once lived on the place in Marshfield, Mass.,
afterwards known as the ' Daniel Webster Farm." Desiring to
remove his property to a less exposed situation than the island,
during the war of 1812, he came to Camden and entered into the
mercantile business. He first traded in the " Stockbridge Build-
ing " on Commercial street, which is the building next to the
Anchor Works and now owned by Mr. W. Grinnell, and afterwards ■
purchased of Nicholson the block subsequently known as the
"Norwood Block." He first resided in the "Old Mansion
House," but afterwards bought the place on Elm street now
occupied by his granddaughter. Miss Harriet Norwood. He also
owned the " Hall Farm," now owned by H. L. Payson. He
was largely interested in navigation, and closely devoted himself
to his business, in which he was very successful. He had a fam-
ily of six children, viz.: John W. K., Wm. A., Winslow, Harriet
(who married Geo. W. Chase, ah able and prominent lawyer and
POLITICAL CONCORD 225
politician of Calais, Me.,) Joshua G. and Maria, who died young.
Of the sons, Winslow was a master mariner in earlier life, but
finally settled in Bagdad, Texas, where he died. He married
Emeline, daughter of Gen. Amos Hale Hodgman, and had one
daughter, E. Adelia, (who married Rev. Geo. W. Bower. ) The
other sons remained in Camden and figure in its subsequent history.
Peter Ott, the German inn-keeper at Goose River, died Dec.
20, 1824. His son, Peter Ott, Jr., or Peter Oat as he wrote it,
who figured in the war incidents of 1814, died the year before,
and father and son lie side by side in Mountain cemetery, their
headstones bearing their differently spelled names. Peter Ott's
daughter, Ehzabeth, as we have seen, married John Harkness.
Also at about this time died William Gregory, who came
from Walpole, Mass., to Thomaston in 1762, and seven years
later came across to Camden as one of its earliest settlers. He
married Experience Robbins and had twelve children, four of
whom died young. The others were Elizabeth, (who married
Isaiah Tolman, 2d.,) Experience, (who married Sam'l Tolman)
William, Jr., Mary, (who married Wm. Spear) John, Josiah,
Olive, (who married Daniel Andrews) and Luther. Josiah, who
is said to have been the first male child born in town, moved to
Appleton where he died in November, 1870, at the age of 99
years.
1825. The annual meeting was held April 4. The
Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasuer elected in 1824 were
re-elected.
This year the " Gaul Bush Road" again became trouble-
some and the sum of $150 was raised to repair it ; and in Septem-
ber the town raised the sum of 1250 for "the fine and costs on
the Union road."
The same harmony prevailed and the usual light vote was
cast at the state election, Sept. 12. Gov. Parris had 41 votes,
and Ezekiel Whitman, 17 votes for Governor. Jonas Wheeler
was again elected to the State Senate, and Frye Hall to the House
226 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
of Representatives.
'1826. Annual town meeting April 3. Edward Hanford,
Town Clerk and Treasurer ; Nathaniel Dillingham, David Tolman
and James Curtis, Selectmen.
The idea of forming a new county by the name of Knox was
first agitated this year. The organization of Waldo county was
being agitated at the same time and our people were opposed to
becoming a part of it and remonstrated against being included
in the new county of Waldo, in its present shape, as described in
the bill now pending before the Legislature." ' They, therefore,
voted in September " to petition the Legislature for a new county
to bear the name of Knox," and chose a committee consisting
of Joseph Hall, Ephraim Wood and Nathaniel Dillingham, to
petition the Legislature agreeably to said vote.
This year Enoch Lincoln, Republican, was elected Governor
and like his predecessor, had nearly all the votes cast in the
state, only 374 " scattering" votes being against him. He had
54 votes in Camden, all the votes cast. Joseph Hall of Camden
received 70 votes for Senator at the same election, and Ephraim
Wood was elected Representative.
Mr. Locke says that at this time the Goose River settlement
numbered eighteen dwellings, and that there was hardly any, if
any, business establishment in that part of the town, except salt
works at Beauchamp Point owned by Gen. Nathaniel Estabrook.
The salt works did not prove a profitable investment and after
being carried on a short time were discontinued. ^
This year a distinguished citizen of Camden died, viz., Hon.
Jonas Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler was bom in Concord, Mass., Feb.
9, 1789, and graduated at Harvard College in 1810. The fol-
lowing year he came to Camden, and began the study of law in
the office of Col. Erastus Foote. After completing his studies, he
settled here in the practice of his profession. As has already
1. See Locke's Sketches, Page 155.
2. See Locke's Sketches, Page 156.
POLITICAL CONCORD 227
been stated, he was our first Representative to the Legislature
after the admission of the state into the Union. From the House
he rose to the Senate and finally to become President of that body
which position he held at the time of his death. He was also a
colonel in the militia. As a lawyer he succeeded best as a coun-
sellor and sought rather to induce his clients to settle, than to
prosecute their law suits. In those days the custom was to fight
most law suits to the bitter end in court, whatever their nature or
the amount involved. Thus Col. Wheeler in his practice here
was three-quarters of a century ahead of his time in seeking to
act as a counsellor rather than an advocate for his clients, and
advising settlement and compromise of legal controversies, which
practice obtains among lawyers to a much greater degree at the
present day. As has been seen, Col. Wheeler was exceedingly
successful as a politician. He was social, generous and possessed
of fine feelings and sympathies and endeared himself to a large
circle of friends. His law office was in a small building located
where Mr. H. M. Bean's residence now stands. Afterwards it
was in the old Masonic building, that stood on the site of the
present Masonic Temple. Col. Wheeler was much interested in
Masonry, and was several times Master of Amity Lodge, which
position he held at the time of his death. He died unmarried
May 1, 1826, at the early age of 37 years. His body lies in the
lot of Amity Lodge in Mountain cemetery, and the Lodge, years
ago, erected there a tablet to his memory.
The town lost another prominent citizen this year
in the removal to Hope of Frye Hall. Mr. Hall was
bom in Methuen, Mass., and came to Camden
about the year 1806 with his brother, Farnham. Mr. Hall being
a tanner by trade, worked at that business for a number of years
and then went into trade. He served the town as Town Clerk
and Representative and in other capacities. He remained in Hope
but a year, for on the formation of the new County of Waldo, he
was elected both County Treasurer and Register of Deeds, after
228 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
which he took up his residence at Belfast, the county seat. He
served Waldo county some twenty years as Register of Deeds. He
married Eliza, daughter of Capt. John Pendleton, by whom he
had eleven children. He was Master of Amity Lodge, F. & A.
M., while in Camden, and afterwards was District Deputy Grand
Master, which position he held at the time of his death. Mr.
Hall was a man of excellent ability and possessed many fine
traits of character. He died in August, 1849, at the age of
about 63 years.
1827. Annual town meeting April 2. Officers elected :
Edward Hanford, Town Clerk ; Nathaniel Dillingham, Nathaniel
E. Estabrook and David Tolman, Selectmen; arid Jonathan
Thayer, Treasurer.
This year found the town again raising money to pay fines
and costs on roads," — $400. Gov. Lincoln was re-elected in
September, receiving all but 489 of the votes cast in the state.
In Camden the vote stood : Enoch Lincoln, 84 ; Jonathan Thayer,
1. Benjamin Gushing was elected Representative, receiving 87
votes to 47 for Jonathan Thayer. Frye Hall received 78 votes
for County Treasurer and 39 for Register of Deeds. Another
meeting was called Dec. 17 to vote for a Register of Deeds, there
being no choice at the preceding meeting, and Frye Hall received
112 votes to 24 for George Watson. These were the first elections
of county officers for the new County of Waldo, which was incor-
porated this year, and of which Camden formed a part until the
organization of the present County of Knox.
1828. It appears that it was necessary to have still
another election before a Register of Deeds was elected, and on
March 31, 1828, the citizens of Camden voted once more for
that officer, which resulted in Frye Hall receiving 196 votes,
George Watson, 10, and E. K. Smart, 3. At the annual town
meeting held on the same day, the voters made choice of the
same Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer as in 1827. A com-
mittee was chosen to take into consideration the expediency of
POLITICAL CONCORD 229
purchasing a " Town Farm."
Harmony in political circles still prevailed. This year Gov.
Lincoln had but 245 votes against him in the whole state. In
Camden he had 110 votes, while three votes each were cast for
Wm. Richardson, Edward Kavanagh, Edwin Smith and Hezekiah
Prince, and one vote for Alden Bass. Jacob Trafton was elected
Camden's Representative to the Legislature.
This year Ebenezer H. Barrett and John Swan erected a
paper mill on the site of the Ai. Battle Manufacturing Go's
woolen factory. The cost is said to have been about $5000
and they manufactured about |40 worth of paper per day until
1841, when the mill was destroyed by fire.
Capt. Calvin Curtis died this year at the age of about 5 1
years. He was bom in Hanover, Mass., October 23, 1777. His
father, also named Calvin, held a captain's commission in the
Revolution. Capt. Curtis came to Camden in 1799, and worked at
his trade which was that of a carpenter. He built for a^ home
the Curtis homestead on Elm street, which was afterwards owned
by his son, Mr. John H. Curtis, and is now owned by his estate.
In 1805, Capt. Curtis was appointed Inspector of Customs at this
port, which office he held until his death. In 1806 he married
Miss Mary Harkness, daughter of John Harkness. In 1811 he
was commissioned captain of a company of light infantry in this town,
which office he resigned after the close of the war with England.
We have already seen how actively he was engaged in the prose-
cution of military affairs during the progress of that war. He
served as Town Clerk and in other municipal positions and was an
able and valuable citizen. He was the fourth Master of Amity
Lodge, and served in that capacity four times. He was the
father of three sons, Charles, Edward and John H. Charles fol-
lowed the sea and sailed out of Portland on his last voyage and
was never heard from afterwards. Edward went to New Orleans
and, thence to California and then disappeared, never being heard
from again.
230 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
On July 30, 1828, another old settler, Joseph Eaton, died.
Mr. Eaton came from Bristol and took up land of the " Twenty
Associates" on the easterly side of the inner harbor, as early as
1785. Mr. Eaton was the first postmaster, as well as the first
customs officer of the town, and was a man of excellent character
and ability. He married Jane, sister of Capt. William McGlathry,
and was the father of two sons, Josejph Jr., and William, and of at
least three daughters, Jane, (who married Benjamin Gushing)
Mary, (who married Bela Jacobs) and_ Nancy, (who married Asa
Hosmer. )
Silas Fay died this year. He was a native of Princeton,
Mass., and came to Camden in 1816, purchasing the farm of
Rev. Thos. Cochran. His children were Nancy, (who married
Nathaniel Hosmer) (Mary, who married Arthur Pendleton)
Ashsah, Thomas, John, Jesse and Timothy. Timothy
inherited and always lived on his father's farm. He
married Nancy, sister of Ezra Cobb. His children were, Joseph
W., Elizabeth D., James H., Sarah A., (who married Lucius M.
Harris of Brookfield, Mass.,) and Frances E. James H. always
lived on the old farm. He died Nov. 8, 1898, unmarried.
TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT BEGINS 231
CHAPTER XXIX.
The Temperance Movement Begins.
1829. The annual meeting was held April 6. The
same Town Clerk and Selectmen were again re-elected, and Dr.
Jacob Patch was elected Treasurer.
Politics had once more become strenuous. Two parties
appeared in the field this year to contest the gubernatorial and
other elections. Jonathan G. Hunton was the candidate of the
National Republican party and Samuel E. Smith of the Democratic
party. Party feeling ran high and twice the usual vote was cast
in the state and more than twice the usual vote in the town. Mr.
Hunton was elected by only 79 majority. His plurality over Mr.
Smith was 324. In Camden, Hunton received 100 votes and
Smith, 186. For Representative to the Legislature, Jacob Trafton
had 180 votes and Edward Hanford, 11-2.
This year our citizens began to take an active interest in the
temperance reform movement which had recently started in the
state, although it was not until some twelve years later that the
strong temperance movement began that resulted in the enact-
ment of the prohibitory law. Prior to this time it was the custom
each year for the selectmen to license certain parties as retail
dealers in spirituous liquors, and sometimes the number thus
licensed would be eighteen or twenty. Many of our citizens felt
that this was an abuse of the right to license liquor dealers, and
that some step should be taken to curtail what was getting to be
232 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
an excessive use of liquor in the community. As a result, on
Aug. 18, 1829, the "Camden Temperance Society" was organ-
ized with Nathaniel Dillingham, president. At this meeting res-
olutions were adopted condemning the liquor trafRc, and stating
that those subscribing to the principles of the society were not
to drink spirituous liquors " unless they deemed it necessary."
Those present at the meeting who were willing to subscribe to
these resolutions were invited to make it manifest by stepping
forward, and Nathaniel Dillingham, Lewis Ogier and John Swan
were the only ones who responded. Afterwards the society
received the support of a large number of our people of both
sexes, and when it had been in existence for three years, its
membership had reached 180, of whom 88 were males and 92
females. Mr. Locke gives the following from a report made by
the society :
"At the time of the adoption of the constitution, every
store, except one, sold ardent spirits. — now, out of eighteen stores
in the village, but three retail ardent, spirits. Drunkenness in
its worst garb is rarely seen in our village ; still, however, the vice
is not removed from among us. The fact that the lime-burning
business has increased, and that the laborers are of the poorest
class, together with the fact that three retailers are found among
us, who openly violate law, and more doubtfully, their consciences,
will readily account for the lingering vice. Most of the paupers
have been made so by intemperance. The town has twice
refused to grant the right to selectmen to license retailers to sell
spirits to be drank in their shops, etc., by a decided vote." .^
The principles of the temperance people of that day were of a
more elastic character than they became at a later period. The
members of the society were allowed the privilege of drinking
when they deemed it actually necessary, and some of them, we
are told, claimed that it was ' necessary " for them to drink one
glass a day. What was called " temperance wine " was also used
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 157.
TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT BEGINS 233
by many of the professed temperance people of the town, until
upon one exuberant occasion, several members of the society
found that they were the unconscious actors in a bacchanalian
jollification," which resulted in their doing away with "wines"
of all sorts. These liberal temperance principles were the step-
ping stones from the old custom of free and unrestrained use of
intoxicating liquors by all classes, to the total abstinence reform
of later years when it became obligatory upon all temperance
people, to absolutely eschew the use, as a beverage, of all alco-
holic liquors.
Oakes Perry, a leading citizen of the town, was bom at
Hanover, Mass., Aug. 16, 1781, came to Camden about the
year 1810 and died Jan. 10, 1829, at the age of 47 years.
Mr. Perry's business was that of a merchant and he was a careful
and methodical business man, as is seen from one of his ledgers
for the years 1811-13, now in existence. It was kept in the
most business-like way possible, the penmanship and book-keep-
ing not being surpassed by any book-keeper of the present day. ^
He, at first, rented his store of Benjamin Gushing, but in 1816
bought of Belcher Sylvester his store building situated near
where Carleton, Pascal & Go's store now is, where he continued
his business. Mr. Perry was an honorable and valuable citizen
and a devout, religious man. Several letters written by him in
the year 1816 to his father, Israel Perry, and his brother, Paul,
now in the possession of his grandson, Mr. Geo. S. Perry, of
Boston, are of much historical interest. In one of them he
speaks of the June frosts of 1816, when, about the tenth of the
month, ice formed to the thickness of window glass. All the
letters while principally on business matters, also breathe a spirit of
1 This ledger now in the possession of Mr. E. F. Day was found by him
in a heap of rubbish and is in a fine state of preservation. One noticeable
thing about this old ledger, is the fact that while nearly nil the names of
the principal men in town at that time appear iipon it, almost everyone of
the accounts were settled and closed, showing that people paid their bills
somewhat better in those days than at the present time.
234 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
intense religious feeling, and a desire for the advancement of the
Christian faith. Mr. Perry married Nancy Rogers of Camden, April
22, 1813. There were five children born to them, two sons and
three daughters, viz.: Augustus, now (1906) living in Belfast,
Me., at the age of 91 years; Mehitable B. R., who died unmar-
ried in 1849, at the age of 31 years; Joseph Perry, who made
his home in Camden, and two others who died in childhood. Mr.
Perry built and occupied the house on Wood street now known as
the Jesse H. Hosmer homestead.
At about this .time died Robert Jameson, who settled and
gave his name to Jameson's Point. Mr. Jameson was the son of
Paul Jameson, and settled in Camden very early. His exploits
during the Revolution and after, have already been recorded
Mr. Jameson married Martha Porterfield of Camden, Dec. 30,
1780, and Deborah Simmons, April 20, 1791. His first wife was
the daughter of Wm. Porterfield, also a very early comer to Cam-
den, who settled the farm known as the ' ' Whitney Farm ' '
between Rockport village and Rockland, where he lived and
died. By his second wife Mr. Jameson had ten children. The
descendants of some of them still live in Rockport. Mr. Jame-
son's cousin, Alexander, who also settled at Clam Cove, later
removed to Charleston, Me.
Another very early settler in the southern part of the town
was Isaiah Tolman, who came with his family in 1769 and took
up SOO acres of land on the shore of the pond that for many years
bore his name, but is now called Lake Chickawaukie. We have
not the year of Mr. Tolman' s death, but it must have been long prior
to this year, as he was born in Stoughton, Mass., May 28, 1721,
Mr. Tolman was thrice married and is the ancestor of the numer-
ous Tolman family in this section. His first wife's name we do not
know, but by her he had eight children. His second wife was
Margaret Robbins and by her he had eleven children. His third
wife was Jane Philbrook. By her two children were born to him,
making him the father of twenty-one children in all. Mr. Tol-
TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT BEGINS 235
man removed to Matinic in his latter days, where he died.
1830. At the opening of another decade Camden's
population had reached 2200. The annual town meeting was
held April S, at which the following officers were elected: Joseph
Hall, Town Clerk ; Nathaniel Dillingham, Stephen Barrows
and Warren Rawson, Selectmen ; Jacob Patch, Treasurer. At
this time the fee for a license as a retailer of " Wine, Brandy,
Rum and other Spirituous Liquors," was $3.00 and five persons
having paid the fee were this year thus licensed. Later in the
year three others were also licensed by paying a fee of $2.25 each.
There was again this year a hard fight for the office of Gov-
ernor between Jona. G. Hunton and Samuel E. Smith, the Dem-
ocrats this time being victorious, electing Mr. Smith* by a small
majority. Camden's vote stood as follows : Smith, 193 ; Hunton,
137. Jacob Trafton was again elected Representive, having 172
votes to 144 for Edward Hanford.
1831. Annual meeting, April 4. Town Clerk, Edward
Hanford ; Selectmen, Stephen Barrows, Warren Rawson and
Robert Harkness ; Treasurer, Jacob Patch.
This year the Democrats slightly increased their majority in
the gubernatorial election. The vote in Camden stood as follows :
Samuel E. Smith, 194 ; Daniel Goodnow, 108. Jonathan Thayer
of Camden was one of the Senators elected. Camden this year
had two of the four candidates for Senators, the other one being
Benjamin Gushing, and E. K. Smart, a future citizen of the
town, was another candidate for the same office. Nathaniel C.
EstabrooK had 193 votes for Representative and was elected, his
opponent, Edward Hanford, having 109 votes.
At about this time the 60 ton schooner. Forest, was built at
" Youngtown," Lincolnville, and hauled by oxen across Lake
Megunticook, and thence through Camden village, and launched
in the harbor. As she went through town, to the wondering
eyes of our citizens, she loomed up like a "Great Eastern."
This year died two excellent citizens who had come here
236 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
as young men in the early days, viz., Joseph Mirick, who died
Feb. 4, at the age of SO years, and Moses Parker, who died Dec.
24 at the age of 44 years.
Mr. Mirick was the son of Ephraim and Deborah Mirick and
was born at Princeton, Mass., March 20, 1780. He married
Rachel Dillingham and had five children, viz.: Joseph G., Augus-
tus D., Alfred, Lucella and Sarah A. He was a farmer and lived
on the place on the Belfast Road, more recently known as the " Dick
Martz Place," but afterwards moved to the village, occupying the
house on Main street now owned by John E. Codman of Philadel-
phia.
Mr. Parker was born at Princeton, Mass., in 1787. He came to
Camden and 'established himself in the tannery business, his tan-
nery being the building, on the northerly bank of Megunticook
river, now owned by Mrs. J. H. Montgomery and known as the
" Higgins stable " building. He erected the old brick Parker
homestead, now the property of his granddaughter, Mrs. Dudley
Talbot, of Boston, Mr. Parker married Mary Barnes of Hanover,
Mass., and they were the parents of five daughters, Mary, (who
married John H. Curtis) Maria, (who married Wm. Merriam)
Angelica, (whq married Elisha Gilkey) and Betsey (who married
Geo. W. Cobb), and one son, Moses L., who lived and died at the
old homestead. >
1832. This year there was no change from the year
before in the principal town officers elected, except that Timothy
Fay was elected third Selectman. The annual meeting was held
April 2, and on July 14 another meeting was called to take
action in anticipation of a visitation of the cholera that was then
raging in the United States, under an article in the warrant, " To
Give any Legal Directions and to Devise any proper measures in
Relation to the Welfare of our Citizens, and which may Serve as a
Check to that Dreadful disorder, the Cholera, now Ravaging this
Continent." The following "Committee of Health" was
appointed to take measures against the pestilence : Dr. Joseph
TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT BEGINS 237
H. Estabrook, Joseph Hall, James Curtis, Dr. Joseph Huse,
Frederick Jacobs, John Eager, Wade Sweetland, Ebenezer Thorn-
dike and Dr. Benj. J. Porter. The Selectmen were authorized
to borrow two Hundred Dollars If Deemed Necessary, to
make provisions for the Sick." Fortunately, the fears of our
people were not reaUzed, and no danger resulted from the " destroy-
ing pestilence."
Samuel E. Smith and Daniel Goodnow were this year again
candidates for Governor, the former again being successful. In
Camden, Gov. Smith's vote was 187, while his opponent had 121.
For Representative, Nathaniel C. Estabrook was again elected,
having 187 votes to 117 for Joseph Stetson and 2 for Hosea
Bates.
At a meeting held Nov. 5, the town voted "To Build a
Town House, 40 by 32 feet, one Story high." It was also voted
" that the Town House be built between the four Corners and
the Western Line of the Bartlett pl^ce, now occupied by William
Simonton, 2d." This location was on the Simonton's Corner
road on -the westerly side thereof on the hill near the old Coombs
place, now owned by Mr. Geo. W. Ingraham, and was considered
near the centre of population of the town. Jacob Trafton, David
Tolman, Job Ingraham, Samuel Tolmah and John Harkness were
chosen a committee to contract for the construction of the build-
ing and $600 was the sum appropriated for the same, the building
to be finished by Aug. IS of the following year. It would seem
unusual at the present day not to overdraw an appropriation for
the erection of a town building, but that was the case in the
building of our first town house, for a subsequent report on the
town records shows that the whole expense, including superin-
tendence of the work, was only $584. 3S.
This year, on February 3, died the old settler, Job Hodg-
man, at the age of 76 years. We have aheady given an account
of Mr. Hodgman as an early settler. His children, so far as we
are able to learn, were, Buckley, Lydia, (who married Joel Mans-
238 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
field) Job Jr., Amos Hale, Thomas and Joel. Joel succeeded his
father in the ownership of the old homestead.
1833. Annual meeting April 1. The Selectmen and
Treasurer of 1832 were this year re-elected, and Robert Chase
was elected Town Clerk.
State election September 9. The old National Republican
party this year went out of existence and two new parties appeared
in the field, viz.: the Whigs and the Anti-Masons. Robert P.
Dunlap was the candidate of the old Democratic party and was
elected by over 6000 plurality over Daniel Goodnow, who this year
appeared as the candidates of the Whigs, while Thomas A. Hill,
the candidate of the anti-Masonic party, received 2,384 votes.
This latter party came into existence as the result of the great
anti-Masonic excitement, due to rumors concerning the death of
Morgan, which was attributed to the Masons in retaliation for
exposures of their secret work printed by hiiii. As is always the case
in matters of public interest of whatever nature, tmprincipled men
took advantage of the excitement to impose upon the credulity of
the people, for the purpose of getting into office. To such an
extent did politicians take advantage of this foolish excitement,
that there were anti-Masonic candidates nominated for almost
every office, from President and Governor down.
At this election in Camden there seemed to be but little
political interest. Mr. Dunlap received 162 votes, Mr. Good-
now, 10, and the anti-Masonic candidate, Mr. Hill", 2. For
Representative, John Harkness received 93 votes, and Stephen
Barrows, 80. Joseph Hall of Camden at this election was chosen
Representative to Congress, and received all the votes cast in
Camden but two. This election was the first held in the new
town house.
At this time there was much dissatisaction in the
state over the militia law that required inen with sons capable of
bearing arms, to arm and equip them at his own expense, while
men without sons, however wealthy they might be, incurred no
TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT BEGINS 239
expense. The people had protested against thus paying for the
protection of the rights and property of the rich, and demanded
that taxation for this purpose should be in proportion to the wealth
of the individual, rather than in proportion to the number of
males in his family, and took various ways of expressing their
disapproval of the existing state of afiairs. This year a military
officer living in the western part of the town, issued an order for
the soldiers to turn out and train at a certain time and place. In
response to the order the company turned out, armed with scythes,
sickles, axes, shovels, hoes, and, in short, with almost everything
except the arms required by law. In the place of uniforms, they
were dressed in the most comical and fantastic costumes. In
other respects the company conducted itself with perfect decorum.
The officer at first supposed that the burlesque was designed as
an insult to him personally, and naturally was inclined to take
ofiense. On being assured to the contrary, he took the proceed-
ing in good part and joined in the humorous demonstration with
the rest. This was the beginning of military troubles of a similar
nature that broke out on different occasions, from time to time,
during the following ten years.
On another occasion the colonel of the regiment issued a
miUtary order requiring the members of the militia in this section
to meet at Camden for the purpose of choosing officers. Agree-
ably to the order, our soldiers were punctually on hand, but in-
stead of the regulation uniform they were again dressed like
fantastics. The meeting, proceeded, however, and officers were
elected, but each immediately declined to serve, and so the bal-
loting was kept up until dark, when the presiding colonel, feeling
that he had done his duty 'in the matter, dismissed the companies.
The soldiers then formed in line and marched from the yellow
schoolhouse ^ down into the square, exhibiting a most comical
3. The "Yellow Schoolhouse" was the flrst school building located on the
site of the present Grammar School huildlng on Elm street. It was succeed-
ed by another schoolhouse that contained a hall which was the principal
hall in town. This building was burned and then the present building was
built.
240 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
appearance. Some had codfish on their backs in lieu of knap-
sacks ; others were ' ' ornamented with the caudal appendages of
divers animals ; one imperspnated Hudibras, another represented
an old Continental, and thus they were apparalled in the most
ridiculous modes that could be suggested." One of the soldiers
acting as colonel, was mounted on an old blind jade, accompanied
by his aids, one of whom carried a bundle of hay in front of the
colonel's horse, with the motto, " Come along," printed on can-
vas. This brilliant procession marched through the principal
streets of the village, after which the companies disbanded with-
out having chosen anyone for commissioned officers.
1834 At the annual town meeting held this year on
March 17, Robert Chase was elected Town Clerk; Jacob Patch,
Treasurer; and Robert Harkness, Joseph Carter and William,
Simdnton, Jr., Selectmen.
The same parties were in the field at the state elec-
tion this year, and Gov. Dunlap was re-elected, his oppon-
ents being Peleg Sprague, Whig, and Thomas A. Hill,
Anti-Mason. In Camden, Gov. Dunlap received 230 votes,
Sprague, 186, and Hill, 3- Dr. Joseph H. Estabrook of Camden,
was the Whig candidate for Senator, but was not elected. John
Harkness was elected Representative, having 208 votes to 185
for Joseph Stetson and 21 for John Achorn. Joseph Hall was
again elected to Congress. At a town meeting held Nov. 8, the
town voted on a proposition to amend the state constitution rela-
tive to voting in wards. Prior to this time, all the voters of the
cities assembled in one room to vote, which was found to be
inconvenient, hence it was proposed that the voting should be
done in the several wards. The vote in this town was nine in
favor and none against the^^proposed amendment.
In 1834, Frederick Jacobs died. He was the son of Samuel
Jacobs and was bom in Camden, where he received his education
principally under the tutoring of Dr. Jacob Patch, who instructed
many young men, who afterwards became prominent and enter-
TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT BEGINS 241
prising citizens of the town. Mr. Jacobs started in business in
Limerick, but afterwards returned to his native village, where he
went into business in company with his brother, Samuel, and
Watson Freeman who was afterwards United States Marshal of
Massachusetts. They traded in the " Daniels building."
Mr. Jacobs was a man of much natural ability, which was not
called into requisition in the business of a village trader in com-
paratively uneventful times to the extent possible in the more
stirring days of war and national peril. He was a man gifted both
mentally land physically and an enterprising merchant. He mar-
ried Julia, daughter of Benjamin Gushing, by whom he had six
children. He was but 39 years of age at the time of his death.
Mr. Jacobs' children were, Benjamin J., Robert J., Frederick, Jr.,
Eliza (who married a Mr. Jewett) Adeline, (who married a Mr.
Ricker) and Delia. None of the Jacobs family have lived in town
for many years.
This year on Dec. 10, died that wonderful and venerable
man, Robert Thorndike, the first settler of Rockport, at the age
of 104 years. Mr. Thorndike married Deborah Wallace of Cape
Elizabeth, and to them were bom twelve children, viz.: Mary,
(who married John McKellar) John, Lucy, (who married Lewis
Ogier) Deborah, (who manied Capt. Andrew Malcolm) Joanna,
(who also married, first, Thos. Gerrish, and second, Sam'lAnnis)
Mehitable, (who married James Richards, Jr.,) Patience, (who
married Wm. Moody) Robert, Elizabeth, (who married ' Joseph
Hardy) Joseph W., Herbert and James. Mr. Thorndike is the
ancestor of a very numerous progeny.
242 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXX.
ATTicus, The Slave.
1835. Stephen Barrows, Town Clerk, Jacob Patch,
Treasurer, and Robert Harkness, Robert Chase and Stephen Bar-
rows, Selectmen, were the officers elected at the annual town
meeting held this year on April 6. The new Town Clerk was an
excellent penman and made an exceedingly plain and neat record.
For some time past the town had been investigating the
question of the supposed public road and landing at the head of
the harbor at Camden village. A committee was appointed who
subsequently reported to the town that an examination of the
county records showed that a public road and landing has been
reserved (through and on the mill lot at the head of Megunticook
harbour so called) in all the Deeds since the year 1785, viz.: In
the Deed, Stephen Minot to Joseph Eaton, dated Sept. 3d, 178S,
and in the Deed, Joseph Eaton to Wm. McGlathry, dated May
30th, 1792, and in the Deed, Wm. McGlathry to John Pendle-
ton, dated July 19th, 1802." The committee recommended that
the town ' take such measures as the Law provides to Abate any
Nuisance, shutting up said road and landing place." This the
town proceeded to attempt as shown by the following report of its
committee submitted in the spring of 1835 :
The committee chosen at the last annual meeting for the
purposes of laying out a road and landing-place for public uses in
Camden and for abating any Nuisance shutting up said road and
ATTICUS, THE SLAVE 243
landing->place, beg leave to report that they have attended to that
duty, and upon investigation find that George Pendleton has
caused a fence to be erected so as to shut up said road and land-
ing-place that the public can have no use thereof, and after noti-
fying said George Pendleton to take away said fence, it being a
Nuisance, and he refusing so to do, they have caused, an indict-
ment to be brought before the Grand Jury, and said Jury have
found a bill against said Pendleton, and the case is to be tried at
the next term of the Supreme Judicial Court to be holdenat Bel-
fast in December next.
All of which is respectfully submitted by
Abrm. OGIER, "1 „
ROBERT CHASE, I ^"""^"^^^
It seems that the Pendletons (who owned what has since
been known as the Ocean House property) had claimed and
occupied the public road and landing for so long a period that the
town never recovered it, and thus through neglect was lost to the
town what would today be a valuable public utility.
This year the ever-receding chimera of a steam railroad to
Camden first showed itself, and the town voted on July 30 'To
choose Hon. Jos. Hall as agent to solicit the U. S. Engineer to
survey a route to Camden Harbour for the Canada Railroad." At
this time there were strong hopes that the proposed road would
make its southern terminus here and some went so far as to pur-
chase land that they thought would be likely to be intersected
by the road. Like other roads proposed and expected since that
day, it did not materialize.
This year Mr. George Gait of Massachusetts built the light-
house on Negro Island. It was lighted the following year, with
Mr. H. K. M. Bowers installed as keepfer. ^
The state went Democratic in the gubernatorial election this
1. The keepers of the Negro Island Light have been as follows : H. K. M.
Bowers, to 1841. Ephraim Flye to 1845. Obadiah Brown to 1863. Wm. Prince
to 1854. E. M. Carleton, to 1856. Obadiali Brown, to 1857. Adrien M. Annis.
Then followed, Simon Barbour, Joshua Bramhall and Fred D. Aldus, the
latter resigning in 1883, when Henry Wiley was appointed and served until
his death in 1896, since which time the prese'nt keeper, Howard M. Giliey, has
had charge.
244 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
year, and Gov. Dunlap was re-elected by nearly 18,000 majority.
The Whig candidate was William King. In Camden, King got
but one ■*-ote, Dunlap having 131. It took three ballots to elect
a Representative. On the third ballot, Robert Chase had 98 votes,
Joseph Stetson, 47, Stephen Barrows, 6, and John Achorn, 4.
183<5. On April 4, at the annual meeting this year,
Stephen Barrows was elected Town Clerk, Robert Harkness,
Stephen Barrows and Robert Chase, Selectmen, and Edward
Hanford, Treasurer.
Gov. Dunlap was this year again re-elected, his Whig oppo-
nent being Edward Kent. In Camden the vote stood, Dunlap,
145 votes, Kent, 87. It took two ballots to elect a Representa-
tive, the vote on the second and final ballot being as follows :
Robert Chase, 99, Joseph Stetson, 60, Elias Storer, 38.
The " Megunticook Bank" was chartered this year and went
into business with a capital of 150,000. William Carleton was
chosen President, and Warren Rawson, Cashier. Mr. Rawson dying
in 1838, was succeeded by Nathaniel Dillingham, who, in 1845,
was succeeded by Hiram Bass. Mr. Carleton died in 1840 and
was succeeded as President, by Mr. Joseph Jones. Mr. Jones
and Mr. Bass continued in theh respective offices until the affairs
of the bank were wound up and the 'charter surrendered in 1847.
That year a new charter was obtained, but on account of there
being a lack of unanimity among the stockholders as to the
expediency of continuing the business, there was never any organ-
ization perfected. When the affairs of the bank were wound up,
it paid the stockholders 99 1-3 per cent, on the original stock. '
The office of the bank was in the second story of the brick block
belonging to Mr. Jones on Bay View street, being the building
now occupied by the J. W. Bowers Company.
1837. Annual meeting, April 10. The same Town
Clerk, Treasurer and Selectmen were elected as the year before,
except Third Selectman, to which office James Clark was elected.
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 160.
ATTICUS, THE SLAVE 24S
At this meeting it was voted " To receive our proportion of the
money deposited with the state by the United States." This
vote was in delation to the distribution of the "surplus revenue"
of the United States, the part coming to Maine being ordered
distributed among the several towns, in proportion to their respec-
tive populations. Subsequently there was much discussion in a
series of town meetings in this town relative to the disposition of
the share belonging to Camden. The fund was finally divided
among the inhabitants, per capita, each receiving two dollars.
The town at this time had a large number of paupers to support,
about fifty persons receiving aid from the town, one-halt of whom
were children under ten or twelve years of age. A committee
was chosen by the town to inquire into " the propriety of purchas-
ing a farm for the poor," who reported to the town at this time.
Among other things the report says : The system of disposing
of the poor of all ages and sexes indiscriminately, to the lowest
bidder, we fully believe to be well calculated to increase and per-
petuate pauperism, ignorance and vice." Accordingly, on May
8, it was voted by the town "That the Selectmen be a committee
to purchase the Capt. Wm. Brown farm, and receive a deed of the
same, providing it can be purchased for |2,400." This farm was
afterwards purchased of John Keen, the owner. This farm is now
known as the Lorenzo Brewster farm, it having been sold to Mr.
Brewster by the town for 12,100, twenty-one years after its pur-
chase. It is located in Rockport a short distance south-westerly
of Beech Hill.
At the state election this year the Whigs won the guberna-
torial contest, Edward Kent being elected by about 200 majority.
The Democratic candidate was Gorham Parks. Camden was still
faithful to the Democrats, giving Mr. Parks 194 votes, and Mr.
Kent, 187. Dr. Estabrook was again one of the unsuccessful
candidates for the senate. Three ballots were taken for a
Representative without any choice resulting, and the
meeting adjourned for two weeks, when two more ballots
246 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
were taken, the second resulting in the election of Ebenezer
Thorndike. Ezra Cobb had persistently led on all the other bal-
lots, but Mr. Thorndike made a final rally on the fifth* ballot and
received 24S votes to 213 for Mr. Cobb.
This year occurred an episode which soon assumed national
importance, leading to much controversy between three states for
several years. ^ Sometime early in May, Capt. David Philbrook of
Camden, was in the harbor of Savannah, Ga., with his schooner,
the Susan, of which Edward Kelleran of Cushing, was mate.
Repairs were being made upon the vessel, and one of the laborers
was a slave, 22 years of age, by the name of Atticus, owned by
James and Henry Sagurs of Chatham County, Ga. After the
repairs were completed and the schooner about to sail for Maine,
Atticus, having doubtless heard of the free land beneath the North
Star, and being anxious to reach it, concealed himself in the ves-
sel's hold, without the knowledge of the officers and crew, so far
as is known. The schooner sailed on May 4, and after being
several days at sea, the presence of Atticus on board was discov-
ered. After the arrival of the vessel at its home port, no restraint
was put upon Atticus and he remained working for a time for Mr.
Kelleran. In the meantime, the slave's owners, thinking that he
might have escaped in the Susan, followed in a pilot boat, hoping
to overtake the schooner at sea, but failing to do so, continued on
to East Thomaston, where they swore out a warrant for the appre-
hension of their human chattel. Considerable delay followed, but
at last after a reward of $20 was offered for his apprehension, Atticus
was caught and delivered to his master. When he embarked at
East Thomaston, the people who witnessed the scene strongly
expressed their sympathy and indignation, but Atticus was safely
placed on board the pilot boat and taken back to Savannah. This,
1. See Kalon's History of Till imaston, Eoolcland and South Thomaston,
V61. 1, Page385; also a paper read before the Maine Historical Society in
November, 1905, by Eev. H. S. Burrage, D. D. Some of Dr. Burrage's facts
concerning Atticus were obtained from a grandson of Capt. Philbrook who
was in Savannah a few years ago.
ATTICUS, THE SLAVE 247
however, was not the end of the case, for James Sagurs, having
returned from Thomaston, went before a magistrate of Chatham
County, on June 16, and swore out a warrant against Philbrook
and Kelleran, charging them with " feloniously inveigling, stealing,
taking and carrying away without the limits of the state of Georgia,
on or about May 4, 1837, a Negro man slave named Atticus."
Philbrook and Kelleran were in Maine, and of course, could not
be found and it was not expected that they could be arrested.
The next step in the proceedings was for Gov. Schley of Georgia
to write to Gov. Dunlap of Maine, stating that Philbrook and
Kelleran were "fugitives from justice" enclosing an affidavit
from James Sagurs, and saying that he had appointed an agent on
the part of Georgia, according to law, to receive the "fugitives"
and convey them to Georgia to be tried. Gov. Dunlap, in Au-
gust, acknowledged the receipt of the communication, but declined
to accede to the demand contained therein, and stated his rea-
sons for so refusing. Gov. Schley replied, with additional argu-
ments, but no action was taken by the Maine authorities, and in
December the Georgia Governor laid the correspondence in the
case before the Legislature of that state, and the committee to
which the matter was referred, reported, among other things, that
evidently the constituted authorities of Maine do not mean to
comply with the laws and constitution of the country," and
recommended that an indictment be found against Philbrook and
Kelleran, after which the Governor of Georgia should make
another demand for the persons of the alleged " fugitives." The
indictment was found and Gov. Gilmer wrote to Gov. Kent,
re-opening the case. Gov. Kent also refused to accede to the
demand of the Georgia authorities, but at the request of Gov.
Gilmer, laid the resolutions of the ^Georgia Legislature before the
Legislature of Maine, which, however, took no action. In his
annual message the Governor of Georgia called the attention of
the Legislature to the case and said, " This state must protect by
its own authority the rights of its citizens in slave property against
248 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the disposition of the people of Maine to violate them. For this
purpose you will be justified in declaring by law that all citizens
of Maine who may come within the jurisdiction of this state, on
board of any vessels, as owners, officers, or mariners, shall be
considered as doing so with the intent to commit the crime of
seducing negro slaves from their owners, and be dealt with
accordingly by the officers of justice." No action of the ridicu-
lous kind thus suggested by the Governor seems to have been
taken. The Legislature of Alabama then took a hand in the
matter by adopting resolutions, on the same subject, which were
transmitted to the Governor of Maine and by him to the Legisla-
ture. These resolutions were not preserved in our Maine archives
and cannot now be found. ■'
This year John Eager died on Sept. 11, at the age of SO
years. Mr. Eager was a native of Shrewsbury, Mass., and was
the son of Capt. Lewis Eager of that town. ^ He married Martha,
daughter of Capt. Nathan Howe, a distinguished citizen i of the
same town. Capt. Howe was an officer in the French and Indian
war and aided in the building of Fort William Henry. He was
also a captain of minute men in the Revolution. He was plowing
in his field on April 19, 1775, when the post rider dashed through
Shrewsbury sounding the Lexington alarm. Howe immediately
detatched a horse from his plow-team, and leaving the ' plowshare
in the mould," set off to rally the minute men. In 1776 he
commanded a company in throwing up the works on Dorchester
Heights, which compelled the British to evacuate Boston, where
he contracted an illness from which he never recovered. Soon
after his marriage in 1808, Mr. Eager took his young wife and
goods and embarked at Boston on a vessel for Camden. The
weather was dark and the winds contrary, and the young couple
were three stormy weeks getting to their destination. When they at
1, Gov. Cobb recently made a conn eons request of the Governor of
Alabama for a copy of these resolutions, but the Governor of Alabama did
// not even deign to acknowledge the letter.
2. See History of Shrewsbury.
ATTICUS, THE SLAVE 249
last approached our port, however, the storm-clouds had vanished,
and the westering sun shown brilliantly over the rnagnificent scene.
They sailed into the harbor and landed at Ogier's Point, and as
they did so, and looked for the first time upon the beautiful little
hamlet nestling amid its wild scenery,
'■ And tlirongli tile hill-gaps sunset light
Shone o'er it with a warm good-night,"
to the eyes of the storm-weary home seekers the spot seemed a
veritable Paradise. Mr. Eager kept an in^ in what is now the
Bay View House, and traded, having a store in Camden and
another in Hope as has already been stated. He took a promi-
nent part in town affaits and also served as Deputy Sheriff. He
was Postmaster at the time of his death. During the latter part
of his life he bought and occupied the comfortable homestead on
Main street, still known as the "Eager House," and now owned
by his grand-daughter, Mrs. Henry L. Alden. He was the father
of eleven children. Mrs. Eager, who survived him several years,
was the heroine of the episode of the war of 1812, related in a pre-
ceding chapter. Mr. Eager' s children, who reached maturity,
were, Mary, (who married William Codman) Ann, (who married
Edward Bradbury) Sarah, (who married Warren Morse) Francis,
Charles, John, Jr., and William.
1838. Annual meeting, April 2. Stephen Barrows was
chosen Town Clerk. There were three separate boards. Select-
men, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor, elected this year.
Selectmen, James Clark, Thomas Spear and James Tolman;
Assessors, Robert Harkness, Elisha Gurney and Job Hodgman ;
Overseers, Daniel Packard, Robert Harkness and Cornelius
Thomas. WilUam Simonton, 2d, was chosen Treasurer. The
board of Assessors subsequently declined to serve and a meeting
was called on April 28, at which Abraham Ogier, Ephraim G.
Hewett and Wm. Simonton, 2d, were elected to serve as Assessors.
This year the Democrats were once more successful in the
state election. Gov. Kent being defeated for Governor by John
250 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Fairfield. In Camden, Fairfield had 298 votes and Kent, 258.
There were eight candidates for Representative voted for this
year, and it took three ballots and an adjournment to effect a
choice. Samuel G. Adams led on the first and second ballot,
Jacob Trafton being his nearest competitor. On the third ballot,
however, Mr. Trafton dropped out and William Harkness, a dark
horse," who had not been voted for before, came in and captured
the prize, receiving 288 votes to 200 for Mr. Adams.
This year through the influence of Col. Joseph Hall, a piece
of ordnance was presented to the Democratic party of Camden
which henceforth for years was known as the " Democratic Gun."
This gun was used on what the members of the party considered
proper occasions, but was rather silent during the Whig times that
shortly followed.
Warren Rawson, Esq., died this year. He was born at
Brookfield, Mass., June 21, 1802, and came to Camden when a
young man. He attended school at Warren Academy, studied
law and was admitted to the bar, and afterwards practiced in Cam-
den in company with William H. Codman, Esq., under the firm
name of Rawson & Codman. Mr. Rawson wg-s the first cashier of
the Megunticook Bank. We learn from Mr. Rawson' s son, Mr.
W. A. L. Rawson, that in the early days of the Bank there was no
safe and every night he and his father used to carry the money
home in bags and keep it during the night in the house. Mr.
Rawson was married Oct. 6, 1825, to Miss Lucy Huse Gould.
He built the house on Elm street now owned by Mr. W. A. L.
Rawson, where he lived until his death, Feb. 1, 1838, when he
was but thirty-five years of age. Mr. Rawson was a member and
Past Master of Amity Lodge and also served as Secretary, and was
one of the earliest of the Camden Masons to receive the Royal
Arch Degree. His children were, Joseph W. H., William A. L.,
Lucy E., (who married Stewart Blake) Edwin T. G. and two
others who died in childhood.
This year John Bird, a prominent resident of the west part of
ATTICUS, THE SLAVE 251
the town, left here and made his permanent residence in Rock-
land, where (at Blajkington's Corner) he had had a store since
182S. Mr. Bird was born in Fjramingham, Mass., in 1798, and
came to Camden in 1805, where he attended the district school
for a time, but when quite young learned the cooper's trade
which he afterwards carried on in connection with his farm. In
1821 he manied Clarissa, daughter of Capt. John Gregory, a
woman of remarkable force of character, to whose assistance much
of Mr. Bird's future success was due. After Mr. Bird opened his
store at Rockland (then Thomaston) where he also manufactured
lime, he walked from his farm to his place of business and back
every day, until he moved to Rockland. While living in Camden
Mr. Bird was collector of taxes for several years and also captain
of the militia. After moving to Rockland he continued his busi-
ness in which he was very successful, and was the founder of the
large wholesale grocery business now carried on under the name
of the " John Bird Company." He was also quite extensively
interested in navigation and banking. He was elected president
of the North Bank, now the North National Bank of Rockland, in
1854, and held that position to the time of his death in 1869.
Mr. Bird was honored and respected by the people of his adopted
city and is the ancestor of the influential Rockland Bird family.
Of his eleven children, (five sons and six daughters) all except a
daughter, who died young, settled in Rockland.
252 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXXI.
A NEWSPAPER AND THE HARRISON CAMPAIGN.
1839. This year at the annual meeting held April 1, the
town went back to one board of municipal officers, and elected
Robert Harkness, Samuel G. Adams and Daniel Packard, Select-
men, etc. Cornelius Thomas was elected Town Clerk, and Wm.
Simonton, 2d., Treasurer.
Gov. Fairfield and ex-Gov. Kent were again this year rival
candidates for gubernatorial honors, the former being re-elected by
a good majority. Camden gave the Governor 253 votes and Mr.
Kent 205. Camden again had plenty of aspirants for the office of
Representative, eleven citizens being voted for, which again
resulted in the necessity of an adjournment and another ballot.
Jeremiah Mclntire and Edward Freeman on the first ballot were
far ahead of the other contestants, but on the second, Stephen
Barrows was elected, having 132 votes to 24 for Mr. Freeman, 44
for Mr. Mclntire, and 32 for Job Hodgman.
The Legislature of 1839 passed a law by which officers could
be detailed from different parts of a regiment to command a com-
pany in a town where there was no officer and compel the men
to train. The Camden company had no officers, and, therefore,
in the spring of this year, the colonel of the regiment ordered an
officer Uving in Thomaston, holding the rank of ensign, to notify
the soldiers of Camden to meet at the town house for military
duty and inspection. PubUc sentiment throughout the state
A NEWSPAPER 253
was still opposed to the existing military law, with
which sentiment our people were strongly in sympathy,
and consequently our soldiers did not turn 'out as
ordered. The result was that our militia men were all sued
by a Thomaston lawyer for the fines they incurred by their non-
tendance, and warrants were put into the hands of a deputy
sheriff for service. Our delinquents had been apprised of the pro-
posed legal action, and were prepared to receive the officer, and
when he was on his way to serve his papers, he was met,' between
Goose River and Camden Harbor, by Wm. Carleton, who advised
him to return home, as it was a favorable season, and attend to
his planting. The officer replied that he had a lot of good fat
chickens to pick and purposed to attend to it. He proceeded to
Camden village, where a committee of citizens met him and
remonstrated with him and advised him to desist from his intend-
ed course, as the result might prove disastrous to him. The
deputy sheriff replied that he knew his duty and. was determined
to do it, and proceeded to Eaton's tavern (where Mr. Wm. Eaton
now lives. ) As he arrived there a crowd, which had - followed
him, assailed him with a volley of eggs, which did not cease until
his horse and gig were made ready for him to leave, which he did
somewhat hurriedly, heading for his home in Thomaston.
Before - he started, however, his hat containing the
papers for service, was knocked off his head by the pelting of
eggs, and its contents seized and destroyed. The officer was
chagrined and determined to get satisfaction and on the following
week went to Augusta and laid the matter before the Governor,
who sent Adjt. Gen. Thompson here to settle the trouble. When
Gen. Thompson arrived he proposed to settle the matter by hav-
ing one man tried as a test case. This proposition was accepted
and one of the soldiers was selected for that purpose, and his case
was carried to the Supreme Court where judgment was rendered
in his favor on a technicality. The deputy sheriff then had sev-
eral of the egg-throwers indicted, who went to court at once and
2S4 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
demanded a trial, but a flaw was found in the. indictment and the
proceedings were quashed-
WilHam Paikman, an old and respected citizen of the town,
died this year on Dec. 24 at the age of 70 years. Mr. Paikman,
who was a cousin of Samuel Parkman, Esq., of Boston, was bom
at Concord, Mass. He came to Camden about the year 1800
from Lincolnville, where he had previously resided and where he
married Sarah Tanner. He was a joiner by trade and in that
capacity went in the ship Massachusetts on a voyage to Canton,
China, in early life. For "many years he was agent for the
" Twenty Associates." He served as selectman of the town and
in other official capacities. His wife survived him for 16 years,
dying in 18SS at the age of nearly 84. His residence was the
large old house in Camden village standing on Pleasant street
opposite the residence of the late Capt. Jesse F. Hosmer. His
children were, Sarah, (who married Thos. Bartlett) Mary, (who
married Wm. Maxfield) Lydia, (who married Wm. Wood) Eliza,
who married Joseph Hall as his second wife) Frances, (who manied
Wm. Russ) and William.
1840. The census of 1840 showed that the population
of the town had increased nearly ten-fold during its half century
of existence, and had reached 3005.
The annual town meeting was held April 6, when Cornelius
Thomas was again chosen Town Clerk. The other officers were,
Robert Harkness, Daniel Packard and James Clark, Selectmen,
and Wm. Simonton, 2d., Treasurer. In the warrant for this
meeting the temperance sentiment in town was shown by the
insertion of several articles, asking that the selectmen be instruct-
ed not to license people to sell liquor, to prosecute anyone selling
liquor, etc. All of these articles, however, were "passed over"
at the meeting.
This year took place the famous and long to be remembered
" Log Cabin and Hard Cider" campaign, resulting in the elec-
tion of the Whig candidate for President, William Henry Harrison.
A NEWSPAPER 25 S
On the 4th of July a great Whig convention was held in Belfast
upon which occasion a " log cabin " was hauled from Montville
and hard cider" was the beverage used by those participating
in the celebration. Camden Whigs wefe represented by a boat-
load of sea captains and others, who hauled their boat upon
wheels, thus journeying to Belfast with waving flags, and followed
by a long procession of carriages filled with ardent admirers of the
hero of Tippecanoe, who frequently expressed their enthusiasm
on the road by giving lusty cheers for their candidate. In the
meantime the Democrats viewed the event with disfavor and
apprehension, as it indicated the rapid rising of the tide that
finally floated Mr. Harrison to the White House. The Maine
Democrats put forth every effort to stem the tide in the state and
the result was one of the liveliest campaigns in the history of the
state. The Whigs were successful in securing a plurality for
their candidate, Mr. Kent, of 67 votes over Gov. Fairfield, in by far
the largest vote ever, up to that time, polled in the state, but 98
" scattering " votes cast, prevented his having a majority, and
therefore, there was no election by the people and the choice of
a governor was thrown into the Legislature, which, having a
Whig majority, elected Mr. Kent.
In Camden, while the vote was very close, the Democrats
still maintained their ascendancy, Mr. Fairfield having 309 votes
and 'Mr. Kent, 302. The election of a Representative was again
a hotly contested one. Stephen Barrows had 292 votes, Samuel
G. Adams, 303, Elias Story, 10, and Cornelius Thomas, 1. There
being no choice the meeting adjourned to Sept. 21, when the
second ballot resulted as follows : Barrows, 313; Adams, 317;
scattering, 4. The selectmen declared that there was no choice
and the meeting adjourned to Sept. 28. The Whigs claimed
that their candidate, Mr. Adams, was elected and refrained from
voting at the third ballot. The Democrats attended and voted
for their candidate, the ballot resulting as follows : Stephen Bar-
rows, 207 ; Job Hodgman, 1. The election was contested in the
256 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Legislature which decided in favor of Mr. Adams, who took his
seat in that body. At the Presidential election following, the
Democratic electors received 286 votes in Camden, and the
Whig electors, 283.
It was in this campaign that the Whigs, not to be outdone
by their opponents, purchased a Whig gun."
On May 13 of this year was begun the publication of Cam-
den's first newspaper, called the "American Citizen," of which
Mr. John R. Shaw was editor and proprietor, and which took its
full share in the exciting political campaign following. Mr. Shaw
was by trade a hatter and came here from Winthrop. Mr. Locke
speaks of him as follows : Originally, he was a Whig, of aboli-
tion proclivities, but, being an ultraist in religion, as well as
politics, he carried his radical ideas into the church to which he
belonged, and, because he could not obtain the sanction of the
minister. Rev. Nathaniel Chapman, to his extreme views, he
transcended the ordinary limits of Christian freedom, which ulti-
mated in the severance of his connection with the church.
Thereupon, he became a Democrat, but his new pohtical relations
made him no more conservative in politics, or less ultra in relig-
ion." ^ After changing his politics he started the "American
Citizen," through whose columns he promulgated his peculiar
religious and political views. Illustrative of Mr. Shaw's style of
political writing we quote the following from^ the "American
C/feen" of July 10, 1840, relative to the Whig celebration at
Belfast :
The Whigs had pow-wow at Belfast on the fourth, and from
what we can learn, we are satisfied that it was a total failure. We
learn that the miserable, contemptible tom-foolery of the Federal
party, was exhibited by hauling a ' Log Cabin ' made out of slabs,
from Montville to Belfast. What a contemptuous idea the ruffle
shirt Whigs must have of the people, when they suppose that by
hauling ' Log Cabins ' about, parading in ' coon skins ' and
' skunk skins ' and bellowing ' hurrah for Harrison ' they can
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 171.
A NEWSPAPER 25 7
advance their cause. We are sorry to say that our quiet village
was disturbed on the night of the fourth by boisterous whooping
and uproar caused by the Harrisonites who had just returned from
Belfast.
The American Citizen did not outlive the campaign, for on
Sept. 25, 1840, the editor announced: "We are compelled to
state to our readers that for want of sufficient patronage, the
Citizen must be suspended, probably not again to be revived.
Our paper has been kept up mostly at the expense of a few
Democratic citizens, its subscription being insufficient to defray
half the expenses of its publication," etc. Thus began and ended
our first newspaper. Shortly afterwards Mr. Shaw closed up his
hat business here and went to California.
William Carleton died March 4, 1840, at the age of 61
years. He was a native of Methuen, Mass., and came to Cam-
den about the year 1806, where he went into the mercantile
business at the Harbor. His store was in a building that stood
on the spot where the Camden National Bank building now
stands. He remained there until 1838, when he removed to
Goose River and continued to trade there until his death. He
was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Mirick and his sec-
ond wife, Betsey Crowell, both of Princeton, Mass. He was the
father of eight sons, several of whom have been among the ablest
and most enterprising business men of this section of the state.
During the war of 1812, Mr. Carleton was adjutant of the fifth
regiment. He also held the office of county commissioner, and
was exceedingly prominent in the affairs of his town. He was
enterprising, active and far-seeing and in whatever position he
was placed, discharged his duties with tact and ability. As has
already been stated, he was President of the Megunticook Bank
at Camden Harbor. After he removed to the River he did much
towards laying the foundation of the business prosperity of what
afterwards became the flourishing village of Rockport. His
homestead was the solid old mansion situated on the hill in Rock-
258 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
port on the road to Camden by the way of Elm street. His
widow married Rev. Job Washburn and continued to reside at the
old homestead until his death. It is now occupied by Mr.
Carleton's grandson, Mr. Willis Carleton, and is probably the
oldest house in Rockport. Mr. Carleton's sons all passed their
lives in their native town, some of them carrying on the business
begun by their father, building up one of the most prosperous
William Carleton.
and best known business houses in the State. The names of the
sons of Mr. Carleton are as follows: William, Jr., Samuel D.,
Elbridge E., Charles A., George, Philander, J., Benjamin F.
and Granville E. Benjamin and Granville are the only survivors
of these eight brothers.
1841. Annual meeting April 5. Elected Joshua D.
A NEWSPAPER
259
Norwood, Town Clerk ; James Clark, Robert Haikness and David
Bartlett, Selectmen ; Wm. Simonton, 2d., Treasurer.
The " Goose River Bridge " question came up at this meet-
ing and a committee consisting of Thomas B. Grose,
John Achom and Robert Chase, was chosen to contract for and
superintend building the bridge, for which the sum of $300 was
appropriated and which was ordered to be built within two years.
The Old Carleton. Residence
At a subsequent meeting held June 19, the town voted "That the
selectmen be instructed to draw orders for a sum not to exceed
$625, over and above the $300 already raised, payable in Sep-
tember, 1842, Provided the bridge is completed according to
Contract and by Sept. 30th, 1841."
This year the " battle of the giants " continued in the polit-
ical field, Gov. Kent again being opposed by his great rival, ex-
260 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Governor Fairfield. At no other period in the history of our
state have two so able and popular men been so many times
pitted against each other in gubernatorial contests. This time
Mr. Fairfield was once more victorious, being elected by a big
majority. A new party known as the Abolition or Liberty party,
this year appeared for the first time, and Jeremiah Curtis, its can-
didate for Governor, received 1662 votes.
In Camden the vote stood: Fairfield, 287 ; Kent, 25 ; Cur-
tis, 15. E. K. Smart of Camden was one of the senators elected.
The following were the candidates for Representative, viz.: T. B.
Grose, A. Simonton, J. Clark, C. Thomas, N.T. Talbot, J. Hodgman,
J. Tolman, J. Annis, E. Story, 0. Bowers and E. Cobb. As usual
there was no choice and the election was adjourned to Sept. 20,
when Patrick Simonton was elected, having 266 votes, while
Abrm. Simonton had 244, and J. Hodgman, 9'. At this state
election the question of changing the constitution of the state so
as to have biennial elections and biennial sessions of the Legisla-
ture, was voted upon for the first time. The people, however,
did not see fit to make the change at this time. Camden's vote
upon this question stood 60 in favor of the change and 79 against it.
The. great temperance reform known as the " Washingtonian "
movement, was at this time attracting much attention everywhere,
and in Camden an association styled the Camden Independent
Temperance Society" was organized July 6. This society's
independence was made certain by the following clause in its
constitution: " We desire no connection whatever as a society
with any other temperance society in this town or in the world,
or with persons who are now in regular standing with such." As
a result of the work of this society a large number of persons
signed the pledge, which did not, like former pledges, contain
the reservation, that liquor might be used ' when necessary," but
read as follows : " We, the undersigned, pledge ourselves that
we will not use intoxicating liquors as a beverage, nor countenance
the use of them in others from this time, henceforth and forever."
A NEWSPAPER 261
At about this time a " Martha Washington Society" was organ-
ized by the ladies. Similar organizations were formed at Goose
River and West Camden.
1842. The temperance agitation continued ilnabated and
on July 4, 1842, the several societies in the different parts of the
town joined in a big celebration which was also attended by the
temperance societies from several neighboring towns. A fine
picnic dinner was served in a tent erected on the site of the old
meeting-house on Elm street, after which a procession was formed
and headed by the Northport military company, marched to
Goose River where a beautiful banker was presented to the Goose
River Independent Temperance Society, by Miss Sophia T. G.
Merriam with appropriate remarks. The banner was received in
behalf of the Society by Mr. Reuben Leland. The procession
then marched to the Camden Congregational church, where an
able address was delivered by Maurice C. Blake, Esq. The cel-
ebration was closed by a salvo of artillery. On Aug. 8
a Youth's Temperance Society was organized at the Har-
bor, numbering 100 members. This society lasted one year.
The Independent Temperance Society of the Harbor was re-organ-
ized in 1844, when the following officers were chosen : Abraham
Ogier, President ; E. M. Wood, Treasurer ; and N. L. Josselyn,
Secretary. Its existence, however, was brief, closing this
important temperance movement among our people.
At the annual town meeting held on April 4, 1842, J. G.
Norwood was again elected Town Clerk. The Selectmen elected
were, Robert Chase, Charles H. Wetherbee and Daniel Packard.
Wm. Simonton, 2d., was again elected Treasurer. On the Goose
River bridge question^the town voted to raise the sum of $1000 ;
but it became necessary to call another "bridge" meeting on
July 16, at which it was voted to raise the western abutment of
said bridge six feet above the original plan and to pay Mr. Hil-
dreth, the contractor, $150 extra to make the change.
Gov. Fairfield was again re-elected governor this year by a
262 HISTORY OF CAMDEN -AND ROCKPORT
large majority. James Appleton, the Abolition candidate, had
4,080 votes in the state and 10 votes in Camden. • The vote
here for the other candidates was as follows : John Fairfield,
Democrat, 221; Edward Robinson, Whig, 158. E. K. Smart of
Camden was again elected to the Senate. It was again impossi-
ble, on account of the multitude of candidates, to elect a Repre-
sentative, on the regular day of the election. It took twD
adjournments and four ballots before anybody had a majority of
votes cast. On the fourth trial, Jesse Page was elected, having
198 votes, while James Clark, his nearest competitor, had 95.
In August, this year, a part of the United States Navy paid a
visit to our harbor, wheii the steam frigate, Missouri, anchored
inside of the "Ledges." This vessel was then the best one in
the service and was visited by many of our citizens, while many
of the officers of the ship ascended the mountain, visited the
Turnpike and delighted themselves in viewing our picturesque
scenery. The frigate remained in our harbor three or four days
and then proceeded to East Thomaston where she was also visited
by a large number of people.
The ancestor of the Camden Start family was George Start,
who was bom at New Ipswich, N. H., Feb. S, 1776, married
Susan Wood of Pepperell, Mass., Dec. 23, 1802, and moved to
Camden in 1803, settling on the farm near Megunticook Lake on
the Megunticook road. He had a family of twelve children and
died Dec. 11, 1842.
Mr. Start's son, George, Jr., was bom in Camden, Aug. 7,
1805, and settled on the farm afterwards owned by 'his son, the
late Franklin L. Start, now known as Mountain View Farm on
Lake Megunticook. He had a family of ten children, of whom
Mr. Edgar S. Start is the only survivor. Mr. Start died Aug. 9,
1885.
Mr. George Start's brother, Deacon Ebenezer Start, who died
in 1846, was a respected and influential citizen. He owned what
has since been known as the " Melvin Farm " now owned by Mrs.
A NEWSPAPER 263
Wm. A. French. His children nearly all died in early life and
none of his descendants now live in town. He was the father of
Franklin, William, Rev. Wilder, Mary, (who married Joel Hodg-
man) Sophronia and Betsey.
264 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXXII.
Secret Societies.
1S43. The annual meeting was this year held April 3.
The ofScers elected were, Amos Storer, Town Clerk ; Charles H.
Wetherbee, Daniel Packard and James F. Thorndike, Selectmen ;
Ira Brewster, Treasurer. At this meeting it was Voted to in-
struct the Selectmen not to grant licenses for the sale of Spirituous
Liquors hereafter." The vote was doubtless due to the agita-
tion of the temperance question, and a result of the growing
temperance sentiment.
At the state election this year, Hugh J. Anderson, the
Dernocratic candidate for governor, was elected, although some
Democratic votes were cast for Edward Kavanagh who, as Presi-
dent of the Senate, had been acting Governor since the resigna-
tion, March 7, 1843, of Gov. Fairfield, who was at that time
elected to the United States Senate. The Whig candidate was
again Edward Robinson and the Abolition candidate, James Apple-
ton. In Camden, Mr. Robinson was the favorite candidate,
receiving 125 votes, while Mr. Anderson received 99, Mr. Kava-
nagh, 88, and Mr. Appleton, 8. An even more than usually
formidable array of candidates for Representative appeared at this
election, 24 in all, and no choice was the result. At the ad-
journed meeting, a week later, Joseph Stetson was elected,
having 177 votes, while Stephen Barrows had 70, with 17 votes
"scattering."
SECRET SOCIETIES 265
1844. April 1, annual meeting. Amos Storer, Town
Clerk ; Robert Harkness, Daniel Packard and Edward Freeman,
Selectmen ; James F. Thorndike, Treasurer.
Hugh J. Anderson, Edward Robinson and James Appleton
were again the candidates of the three political parties for Gover-
nor, and Mr. Anderson was again elected. Camden was now
again strongly Democratic, giving Mr. Anderson 280 votes and
Mr. Robinson, 196. The abolition sentiment had become quite
strong in town as is shown by 40 votes being cast for Mr. Apple-
ton. Jesse Page was one of the unsuccessful candidates for
Senator. Oliver Andrews was elected Representative on the first
ballot, notwithstanding that there were twelve candidates. He
had 271 votes, and Joseph Stetson, his chief opponent, had 194.
At the Presidential election in the following November
the Democratic candidates for electors received 287 votes and the
Whig candidates, 184.
William Eaton, second son of Joseph, died Feb. 20, 1844, at
the age of 69 years. Mr. Eaton owned the Eaton farm and
erected the large family residence on High street, now owned
by his grandson, William Eaton. In addition to being a large
farmer, he also engaged in the saw and grist-mill business in the
village and often entertained the travelling public at his house.
He was a popular and well loved citizen and neighbor and was
affectionately known by all as " Uncle Billy." He married Lucy
White of Topsham, Maine, daughter of Maj. Gen. George White
of Revolutionary memory. They had a family of six sons and
two daughters, viz.: Mary, (who manied Joseph Stetson) Capt.
Horatio, George, Capt. WilUam, Edward, Joseph, Franklin and
Lucy, (who married Thomas G. Glover.) Of these children,
Franklin died young. The other sons were of those "who go
down to the sea in ships " and their history is like thatof many a
seaboard town family. George and Edward died on shipboard.
Captain Horatio and Captain William, both able young master mari-
ners, sailed away in their fine ships, never to be heard from again.
266 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
The only remaining son, Joseph, married Harriet, daughter of
Nathaniel Hosmer, and inherited the homestead, where he died in
1893. His children were, Georgiana S., (who married Fred
Lewis) Eugenia, (who married Austin Walker) William, Ann
Maria, (who married David W. Arey) and Emily A., (who married
Horatio G. Collins, as his second wife.)
Joseph Eaton, Jr., the elder son of the first Joseph,
survived his brother two years, dying Feb. 6, 1846,
at the age of 73 years.. He was a sea captain and commanded
many ships. He married a Miss Waterman, by whom he had
one son, Nathaniel, and three daughters, Louisa, (who married
Charles Pendleton) Elizabeth, (who married Dr- Putnam Simon-
ton) and Deborah, (who married a Mr. Burrell and moved to the
West.) Capt. Joseph Eaton buih and occupied the house on
High street, now known as the Elbridge Knight place. Mr.
William Eaton of Camden and a son of Nathaniel Eaton, living in
Pennsylvania are the only living descendants of the first Eaton,
who bear the name of Eaton.
John Eells was bom in Hanover, the native place of so many
of Camden's early citizens, in 1770, and came here about
1791. He married Lucy, daughter of Paul and Bathsheba Thorn-
dike, in 1799, and built the family homestead on Chestnut street
in 1800. He was a blacksmith and shipsmith by trade and did
the principal work for many vessels. He had a family of eleven
children, viz.: John Jr., Lucy, (who married Aaron Parsons)
Emery, Susan (who married John Bennett) Albert S., Aroline A.,
Edward, Ruth C, Ann, Mary and Joseph S. He died in 1844.
1845. At the annual meeting held April 7, James C.
Jordan was elected Town Clerk ; Charles H. Wetherbee, James
Tolman and Patrick Simonton, Selectmen ; and John Brown,
Treasurer.
Hugh J. Anderson was re-elected Governor this year by a
good majority over Freeman H. Morse, the Whig candidate, and
Samuel Fessenden, the Abolition candidate, the latter having
SECRET SOCIETIES 267
5,867 votes in the state. In Camden the Democratic vote for
Governor was 224, the Whig vote 189, and the Abohtion vote
20. There were nine candidates for Representative. On the
second ballot Maurice C. Blake, Esq., was elected, the vote
standing as follows : Blake, 229 ; C. H. Wetherbee, 121; Cor-
nelius Thomas, 64; Ignatius Sherman, 24; Hugh Thompson,
4 ; Paul Thomdike, 3 ; Harrison Hemingway, 2 ; William Blake
and Jeremiah Mclntire, 1 each.
At this time the odium under which secret societies in this
country had for several years been laboring on account of the
Morgan excitement, had nearly disappeared, and these societies
had begun to flourish once more. The Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, which had its birth in America in 1819, was now
spreading rapidly in the United States, and in August, 1845, the
State Grand Lodge of that order voted to grant a charter to " La-
fayette Lodge, No. 31," to be located at Camden. This lodge was
instituted some time during the year at Goose River, but neither
the records of the Grand Lodge nor any other records at our
command, state the number of charter members or the names of
the first officers elected. This lodge had a short career. In
1848 the report to the Grand Lodge showed a membership of 46
and invested funds amounting to $196.71. The membership
and funds decreased from that date until 1851, when the charter'
was surrendered.
Capt. John Pendleton died Oct. 13, 1845, at the age of 93
years. He was a descendant in the fifth generation of Brian Pen-
dleton, who settled in Watertown, Mass., in 1634, and who was
one of the commissioners appointed by Massachusetts to receive
the submission of Maine when the Bay Colony usurped the juris-
diction, and after the purchase of Maine by Massachusetts, was
appointed Deputy President. Brian's son, James, removed to West-
erly, R. I., and from him descended the New England Pendle-
tons, a large number of whom have, for generations, resided in
this section. The subject of this sketch was bom in Stonington,
268 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Conn. , about the year, 1752, and in early life removed with his father
and several brothers to Islesboro, Maine, where he lived until
1802, when he came to Camden. He lived for a time in the old
McGlathry house, but about the year 1810, built the house that
formerly stood on Main street, and which was afterwards enlarged
and became the " Ocean House." Capt. Pendleton was quite
an extensive real estate owner here and also carried on a mercan-
tile business. He was interested with the Batons in the grist
and saw-mill that was located near the present Camden Grist Mill
Co's mill, about where Geo. H. Cleveland's store now stands, as
well as in other local enterprises. Capt. Pendleton was on board
of one of the vessels which attacked Castine during the Revolu-
tion, and in the war of 1812 he was chosen captain of the Camden
veteran company, or "Alarm List," whence his title. Capt. Pen-
dleton was four times married. His first wife was Margaret Young,
by whom he had four children : John, Arthur, Mary, (who married
Capt. Kelleran of Cushing) and Margaret, (who marrie'd a cousin
by the name of Pendleton.) Of these children, Arthur lived in
Camden. The children of his second wife, Elizabeth Rogers,
were, Adam, Henry, Eliza, (who married Frye Hall) Elisha, Jane,
(who married Archibald Buchanan) and George. Capt. Pendle-
ton's third wife was a sister to his first wife, and a widow, Mrs.
.Jane Henderson. His fourth wife was also a widow, Mrs. Sarah
Decker Clough, of Warren. She survived him for many years.
Capt. Pendleton was a hale old man, retaining his faculties until
stricken by paralysis a few days before his death. His son,
George, succeeded to the ownership of the homestead on the
" Harbor Hill" and owned and carried on a dry goods business
in the store that stood on the site of the northern half of the
Masonic Temple. He removed to Detroit, Mich., in 1849,
where he died Aug. 27, 1875, at the age of 76 years.
At about this time died Capt, William Gregory, Jr., at an
advanced age, but we do not have the exact year of his death.
Capt. Gregory was born in Walpole, Mass., Jan. 1, 1762, and
SECRET SOCIETIES 269
came to Camden with his father, William Gregory, when a lad in
1769. He took great interest in town affairs and held the ofRce
of Town Clerk, Selectman, etc., many times in the early days of
the town's history. He was also a captain in the militia. Capt.
Gregory married Melia, daughter of Isaiah Tolman, and was the
father of Calvin Gregory, who was bom in 1801.
Daniel Mansfield died this year at the age of about 77 years.
He was a farmer and a member of one of the largest families of
the early years of the town's history. ^
1. The following genealogy of the numerous Camden branch of the
Mansfield family htis been furnished by Mr. Frank A. Mansfield :
1. Robert, from England, who settled In Lynn, Mass., a.nd died in 1666.
(The family residence on Boston street, is still in the family. Itw^s built In
1666 and is good for another 240 years.) 2. Andrew, who died in Lynn about
1683. 3. Dea. Daniel, who died in Lynn in 1728. 4. Andrew, who died In
Lynnfleld, 1730. 5. Dea. Daniel, who died in Lynnfleld, 1797. 6. Daniel, who
mnrriedLydia Breed, and died in New Ipswich, N. H., 1816. They had 12
children, of whom Jacob, the eldest, was one of the first settlers of Hope,
Me , where he married Charity, daiighter of Captain Samuel Fayson, and
had a family of 14 children. He died in 1836. Six of his brothers and sisters
settled in Camden. These were, Daniel, Joel, Mary, Thonns, Betsey and
Newell.
Danirl, born 1768, married Mary Gibbs. and had 11 children.
1. Lydia, (who married Chailes Hosmer;) 2. Elisha. (who married Mary Keyes
and had 6 children, viz. ; Harriet E., Augustus H., who removed to N. Y. City;
Oi-phelia Ann,(who married Green Haskell) Frederick, who served in the
Rebellion, and removed to Iowa; and Fannie A., (who married Jonathan
Annis, as his second wife) 3. Silence. 4. Afana, (who married Wm. K. Paul
of Solon) 5. Daniel 6. £teK, who removed to Iowa. 7. Caroline' i. Auraiiy'iio
married Samuel Russell) 9. Nancy, (who married Watson Goss) 10. Sarah,
(who married Charles Perkins) 11. Julia, (who married Ephraim Turner.)
Thomas, bom 1775, married Hannah Gibbs and had 12 children. 1. Thomas
M, who removed to Foxoroft. 2. //oKKaA, (who married Brown) 3. Joel.
Hemarried, fii St, Lydia Hodgman, second, Mary Heal, by whi'm he had 5
children, viz.: Emma, (who married James W. Robins) Nathan, now of N.
Y. City. Ashmond, ifow of Worcester, Mass. Albeit, who married Jennie
Perry, and lives in Pittsburg, Pa., and Joel, who died in Worcester, Mass.
4. 5a/fy, (whomariied Wm.Russ) 6. Wow'j, who married Lucinda Fish and
had 6 children, viz. : Hannah R , (who married Sam'l E. Brown) Thomas,
ElishaG., Norris, Jr.,Ehe.iezer B.,2d., Adella Ann, (who married George F.
Clapp) 6. /;oj;c«e, (who married Silas Paul) 7. Ebenezer B. He married, first.
Charity Mansfield, by whom he had 2 children, viz : Buck ley H. and Priscilla A.,
(who married Philander Richards) and second, Angelica H. Boggs, by whom
he had 4 children, one of whom died young. The others are, Angelica G.,
(who married Joseph Lamb) Beatrice E., (who married M. L. Inman) and Aldo
A. 8. Arena, (who married Humphrey Lancaster as second wife) 9. Elijah.
270 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
1846. April 6 was this year the date of the annual meet-
ing, when William Carleton (Jr. ) was elected Town Clerk ; James
Tolman, Patrick Simonton and Abraham Ogier, Selectmen ; and
John Blown, Treasurer. This year forty citizens were dected
Highway Surveyors, which shows the extent of the roads in town
at this period. This is further shown by the fact that $600 were
raised for the repair of roads and bridges, and $5,000 for labor on
roads.
There was no po{)ular election of Governor this year, no one
having a majority. The Abolition party increased its vote ' to
9,398. The Democratic candidate, John W. Dana, was elected
Governor by the Legislature. The Whig candidate was David
Bronson. The vote in Camden resulted as follows : John W.
Dana, 258, David Bronson, 207. Samuel Fessenden, 23. At
this election Ephraim K. Smart of Camden was elected Repre-
sentative to Congress. It took two ballots to elect a Representa-
tive to the .Legislature. Maurice C. Blake was a candidate for
re-election, but on the second ballot, Peter Heal was elected,
having 268 votes to 251 for Blake.
This year witnessed the renascence of old Amity Lodge, F.
& A. M. During the days of anti-Masonic excitement its light
had waned until in 1838 it went out, and many thought it would
10. Lydia- U. ZJaWe/W., who removed to Illinois. 12. Betsey, (who married
Capt. Ashman Pierce.)
Newell, born 1784, died 1872, married, first, Relief Cowan, second, Han-
nah Savage. He was a blacksmith at the Main street bridge In Camden, and
a Whig in politics. He had 11 children. We mention the following : 1. Elsie,
B., (who married Wm K. Paul as second wife) 2. Maria,'(yiiio married, first,
Capt. Shubael Mayo, and second, Dea. Nahum Walker) 3. Newell, who re-
moved to Belfast, i. Emily, (vfho married Dexter B. Wingate) 5. Relief C-,
(who married Abner Howe) 6. Charlotte T., (who married Lucius Smith)
7. Dea. Blnathan D. He married Myra A. Mansfield, whs blacksmith at the
bridge in Camden, with his brother, Alfred, US A. D. & E. D. Mansfield for
nearly 50 years, from 1839. He had 4 children, viz. : Henry H, whu removed
to New Jersey. Frank A., Edwin B. and Geo L. 8. Alfred D. He married
Sophia J. Macrae, afterwards removed to East Buston He had 7 cliildren,
viz.: Emma A.,'EnaM., Walter H., Edward C, Harriet A., Ermiua A., (who
married Horace W. Chamberlain) and George H.
SECRET SOCIETIES 271
never be rekindled. So great was the prejudice against the order
in Camden that the members of the Lodge were threatened with
being mobbed if they undertook to publicly celebrate St. John's
Day, as usual, and the meetings of the Lodge were for a time held
surreptitiously, the members entering the lodge room from the
rear, taking care that their action was not noted by the village
people. At last the membership of the Order in town became
reduced to nine, who faithfully preserved the charter and property
of the Lodge through those "dark days," hoping, when the
clouds of calumny should lift, to re-instate the Lodge. These
nine faithful Masons are held in great honor and reverence by the
Camden Masons of the present day, and are known as "The
Immortal Nine." They were Lewis Ogier and his son, Abraham
Ogier, Jonathan Thayer, James Clark, Jeremiah C. Cashing and
Frederick Conway of Camden, and Micah Hobbs and his two
sons, Henry Hobbs and Josiah Hobbs, of Hope. The Lodge
did not hold any meetings for some eight years, but in 1846 all
of the nine, but Micah Hobbs, being still living, they re-organ-
ized the Lodge, January 19, by the election of the following offi-
cers: Henry Hobbs, W. M.; Abraham Ogiar, S. W.; Frederick
Conway, J. W.; Jonathan Thayer, Treas.; Josiah Hobbs, Sec'y;
James Clark, S. D.; and Jeremiah C. Cashing, J'. D. These offi-
cers were installed March 6 by " Father" John Miller of Warren,
G. L.. The Masonic brethren had been fearful lest the Odd Fel-
lows should wholly supersede them in town, but the resuscitated
Lodge soon outstripped its competitors and entered upon a career
of prosperity which has continued until the present day. ^
' At this same time the Sons of Temperance had become very
popular in the state and a Division numbered 24, was organized
in Camden, on the day of the Masonic installation, March 6.
The cause of Temperance received a new impetus through
the manifest zeal of the Sons, as many were induced by the influ-
ence of the vows required, to abstain from the use of intoxicating
1. See Robinson's History of Amity Lodge, No. 6, Chapters XI and XII.
272 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
beverages and to live according to the elevating sentiments pro-
mulgated by the Order." ^
After being for sixty years a resident of the town, Nathaniel
Hosmer died June 17, 1846, at the age of 81 years. Mr. Hos-
mer was a conspicuous figure in the early history of the town, and
is the ancestor of a numerous progeny. His children were as
follows : By his first wife, Mary Wheeler : Charles, Betsey, Josiah
W., Anthony, Daniel, and Mary, (who married Jacob Ulmer;)by
his second wife, Nancy Fay : Nathaniel, Nancy, (who married
Ezra Cobb) Harriet, (who married Joseph Eaton) Frank, Joseph,
Jesse F., Sophia, (who married Ephraim M. Wood) George,
Frederick and Emily.
Mr. Hosmer's brother, Asa, died Sept. 9, 1854, at the age
of 85 years. To him and his wife, Nancy Eaton, were bom the
following children : Ephraim, Amasa S., Austin, William, Jane,
(who married B. Knight) Maria, (who married Charles Stin-
son) and Eunice, (who married Joel Thomas.)
Dr. Jacob Patch, an able, but eccentric citizen, died this year.
Dr. Patch was a native of Groton, Mass., and a graduate of Dart-
mouth College. He came to Camden about the year 1800 and
established himself here in his profession, thus being one of our
earliest physicians. Nov. 12, 1806, he married Miss Rebekah
Woods of Dunstable, Mass. " As a medical practitioner," says
Locke, "he never stood in the front rank, which he might, have
done, had his practical understanding and skill corresponded
with his deep reading and extensive theoretical knowledge. In
case the utiUty of any of his prescriptions, or modes of treat-
ment were called in question, he was ever ready, from his abun-
dant information, to quote any number of medical authorities in
support of his procedure." In addition to his practice, he also
taught school, and his forte was training the youth. Many of our
citizens who afterwards attained eminence among their fellow-
citizens, attributed their success to the early training they re-
1. See Lookfe's Sketches, Page 180.
SECRET SOCIETIES 273
ceived under the tuition of Dr. Patch. The doctor delighted in
numismatics and made an extensive collection of rare coins of
every description, among them being ISO different kinds of gold
coins. Dr. Patch lived in the house destroyed in the great fire
of 1892, located on Mechanic street, just northerly of Carleton,
Pascal & Go's store, on land now owned by the estate of the
late James Perry. Back of his house he had many fine plum
trees, whose fruit when ripe proved a great temptation to the vil-
lage boys who sometimes stripped them without license, which
greatly enraged the doctor. Finding his trees bare of fruit one
morning, he took an axe and cut them all down. Another inci-
dent characteristic of the doctor is the following : He had arranged
on one occasion to visit Boston in a vessel, but missing his pas-
sage by her sailing before the hour set, he at once started for the
city on foot, and arrived there before the vessel did. In like
manner he returned. The doctor was a faithful and enthusiastic
Mason and was for a time secretary of the Lodge. He died with-
out issue June 23, 1846, aged 73 years. His widow survived him
until April 18, 1854, when she died also at the age of 73. They
both lie in the lot of Amity Lodge in Mountain cemetery.
274 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXXIII.
A PORT OF ENTRY.
1847. Annual meeting, April 5; William Carleton was
again elected Town Clerk, and John Brown, Treasurer. The
Selectmen elected were, James Tolman, Thomas B. Grose and
Wm. A. Norwood. At a meeting held May 31, the several school
districts in town were authorized to choose their own agents.
The same gubernatorial candidates as the year before were
again in the field this year and John W. Dana, Democrat, was elected
by a small majority over both of his competitors. In Camden
the vote stood, John W. Dana, 260 ; David Bronson, 189 ; Sam'l
Fessenden, 20. For Member of Congress, Ephraim K. Smart of
Camden received 200 votes, and Ralph C. Johnson, his nearest
competitor, 174. Mr. Smart was elected. Samuel G. Adams
was one of the unsuccessful Whig candidates for Senator, receiving
in Camden 188 votes to 259 for his opponent. There were 15
candidates for Representative, William Meniam and Maurice Blake
leading. On the second ballot Merriam was elected,
receiving 187 votes to 166 for Blake. At this election the ques-
tion of electing the Governor and other officers by a pluraUty vote,
was voted upon. Camden was in favor of the change, 117 voting
for it and 48 against it. This change was not made, however,
until 1881.
This year the line between Camden and Thomaston was
" preambulated " by the selectmen of the two towns and stone
A PORT OF ENTRY 275
monuments erected thereon at intervals from the shore on Jame-
son's Point to the Warren linCf "' ' *
The interest in tempergjice reform. con.tinued. this .year, and
on March 4, Beauchamp Division, No. 71, Sons of Te'ipperance,
was 'organized at Goose River. Later in . the same year, Mt.
Pleasant Division, No. 85, was organized at West Camden. These
two divisions continued to exist, until the one at Camden dissolved
when they also dissolved.
In May, on petition of Joseph Perry and others. Vesper
Lodge, No. 47, I. 0. O. F., was instituted at the Harbor. Like
Lafayette Lodge at Goose River, this lodgs had an ephemeral
existence. There are no records showing who were the officers
of this Lodge. In 1850 the Grand Master reported that "Vesper
Lodge, No. 47, did not have sufficient interest to retain its
charter and had no funds in the treasury," and that year the
charter was surrendered. The Grand Lodge journals of that
time speak of Thomas B. Grose, Joshua G. Norwood and William
Caileton, Past Grands of Lafayette Lodge, as visiting the Grand
Lodge. There is very little other information at hand relative to
these two abortive attempts in the forties to establish Odd Fellow-
ship in Camden.
In 1847 was organized, so far as we are informed, the first
fire company in Camden village, known as the "Hydrant Fire
Company, No. 1." This company did not continue long, but
was reorganized in 1851. It was again reorganized in 1854,
each time adopting by-laws and the same name. They used a
hand tub aiid did service at several fires. In 1867 some eighty-
five young men, members, as the records show, of the leading
village famines, signed an agreement to organize a " Company
sufficiently large to take charge of the Hydrant, Engine No. 1
and Atlantic, No. 2." They organized what has since been
known as " Atlantic Engine Company, No. 2," and adopted a
constitution and as their motto-, " Always Ready." This company
has continued to exist until the present time, and has done valiant
276 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
service at many a hard fought fire, demonstrating that their motto
was adopted to some purpose. The first officers of this company
were, A. B. Wetherbee, Foreman ; E. T. G. Rawson, Assistant
Foreman; Reuel Philbrook, Foreman Leading Hose; Samuel
Ayers, Assistant Foreman Leading Hose ; John Campbell, Fore-
man Suction Hose ; C. W. Follansbee, Clerk and Treasurer ; T.
R. Simonton, W. G. Adams and Alden Miller, Jr., Finance
Committee.
This year two prominent Camden physicians died. Dr. Joseph
Huse, June 30, and Dr. Benjamin J. Porter, August 18.
Dr. Joseph Huse was a native of Methuen, Mass. He com-
pleted an academic course of study at the Atkinson, Mass., Acad-
emy, and then studied medicine under Dr. Osgood of Andover,
Mass., with whom he remained three years, and afterwards rode
one year" with Dr. Frank Kittridge of Tewksbury, Mass. He
came to Camden about the year 1796. The same year he mar-
ried Miss Lydia Page of Warren. He settled here in his profes-
sion, and thus became the first permanent medical practitioner in
town. Mrs. Huse, who is described as a beautiful woman, died
Sept. 30, 1798, and on the rudely carved slate head stone, at
her grave in Mountain Cemetery, we find the following verse,
attesting her grace and beauty :
"Grace was in all her steps; heaven in her eye;
In all her gestures dignity and love."
The young husband, inconsolable in his grief, is said to have
passed much time at her grave playing beautiful, but sad melodies
upon his flute. In 1800, Dr. Huse married Miss Lucy Stimson
of Camden, who survived him several years. He had no children.
He was a Whig in politics and was a member of the electoral
college in the election of President Harrison in 1840. Dr. Huse
was a most popular physician and carried on an extensive practice
here for a period of half a century. Says his biographer, ' ' In his
latter years he placed more reliance in proper nursing than in
the use of medicines. He was particularly successful in his
A PORT OF ENTRY 277
treatment of fevers, in the subduing of which, he derived quite a
reputation. Possessed of good perception and ordinary reflective
powers, Dr. Huse evidenced these endowments of nature by a
uniform and unostentatious life." He lived for many years in
the house on Chestnut street lately owned by Geo. F. Mansfield
of Los Angeles, Cal. The house has recently been rebuilt and is
now known as " Brookside Cottage." He died at the age of 74
years.
Hon. Benjamin J. Porter was a native of Beverly, Mass. He
completed his academic course of study at Byfield Academy, and
then began his medical study with an uncle. Dr. Jones. His
uncle being employed as surgeon in the Continental Army, in
1779 young Porter became surgeon's mate, and it is said that he
acted in that capacity in Lafayette's regiment. This position
gave him a rare opportunity of becoming acquainted with the
leading men of the Revolution and he became on intimate terms
with many of them, among whom were Lafayette and Gen. Knox.
After the close of the war Dr. Porter came to Maine and practiced
several years in Scarboro, Stroudwater (now Westbrook) and
Portland where he had good success. He engaged in the lum-
bering business in partnership with William King, (subsequently
the first Governor of Maine) then of Scarboro, and removed to
Topsham, where he carried on an extensive and lucrative mercan-
tile business, and married his partner's sister, Ehzabeth L. King.
The business of the firm of King & Porter continued until about
the year 1810, when Mr. King removed to Bath and there formed
another branch of the business. In 1814 the great freshet on the
Androscoggin river swept away, in mills, lumber and the bridge,
of which he was- one of the proprietors, something like $80,000
of Dr. Porter's property. In addition he met with considerable
losses in navigation during the embargo times. Prior to the separa-
tion of Maine and Massachusetts he held the office of Governor's
Councillor and was also Senator from Lincoln County. At the
time of the separation he was chosen one of the commissioners to
378 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
make a division of the property. In the autumn of 1829 he
came to Camden where he remained until his death at the age of
83 years and 11 months. He was the father of six children. Dr.
Porter is spoken of as ' a gentleman of rare conversational powers
and great suavity of manners." A familiar saying during his day
was, ' As polite as Dr. Porter." Among his children were, Benj.
J. Porter, Jr., who became a prominent citizen of the town
and Hon. Charles R. Porter, who moved to Bath. Charles R.
practiced law for some time in Camden and owned the "Blake
House" on Chestnut street.
Joseph Sherman, an early settler of the "Belfast Road"
section of the town, was born at Marshfield, Mass., Feb. 23,
1754, came to Camden about the year 1780, and died April 5,
1847, at the age of 93 years. Mr. Sherman was the son of Igna-
tius and Abigail (Chapman) Sherman, and a descendant of Wm.
Sherman, who settled in Plymouth, Mass., about the year 1630
and ten years later removed to Marshfield. Joseph Sherman
owned many acres of land in Camden. He built a large two-
story, hip-roof house, which was finally torn down, the material
going into the construction of the house now owned by Rodney
Beverage. Mr. Sherman's children were. Wealthy, who died
young; Joseph Jr., who married Sarah Kidder and was the father
of the late Darius Sherman (who owned what is now known as the
" Sherman Farm " on the Belfast Road) Nancy, (who married
Samuel Jones) Henry, Almarian, Cyrus and Ignatius.
Ignatius Sherman, who was bom in Camden, Oct. 11, 1798, and
died Oct. 24, 1870, at the age of 72 years, bought what was then
known as the Isaac Morse farm, extending from the end of
" Sherman's Point"" to near the top of Megunticook. Mountain.
It is said that the large field on this farm facing Sherman's cove
and once known as " Craig's Field," was the first field cleared in
Camden. Deacon Morse was a staunch Baptist and the cove
was the usual place in the old days, for the performance of the rite
of baptism. Ignatius Sherman married Elethea Graffam and was
A PORT OF ENTTY 279
the father of the following children : Sarah, (who married Wm. P.
Ladd) Anna E., (who married Jonas Gleason) Helen R., (who
married Geo. B. Waterhouse) Cyrus E., Oliver G., Jacob I.,
Emma D. and Mary B. L., (who married Wilder W. Perry.) Mr.
Sherman was a Universalist in faith and a respected and valuable
citizen. His original house, afterwards demoUshed, was situated
some distance from the Belfast Road, in the direction of Sherman's
Point.
1848. The annual meeting this year came on April 3.
James F. Thomdike was elected Town Clerk ; Thomas B. Grose,
William A. Norwood and James Tolman, Selectmen ; and John
Brown, Treasurer.
John W. Dana, Democrat, Elijah L. Hamlin, Whig, and
Samuel Fessenden, AboHtion, were the three gubernatorial can-
didates this year. The Abolition party cast 12,037 votes in the
state, once more preventing an election by the people, and Gov.
Dana was elected by the Legislature. Camden as usual gave a
strong Democratic majority, the vote being as follows : Dana 284,
Hamlin 140, Fessenden 21. William Merriam was re-elected
Representative to the Legislature by a large majority, having 276
votes, while his chief opponent, Minot Tolman, had 137.
July 4 was celebrated this year by exercises under the
auspices of the Sons of Temperance. A procession was formed
at the hall of the society- in George Pendleton's building, and
marched to a grove near Mountain cemetery, led by the Camden
Brass Band. At the grove an oration was delivered by Maurice
C. Blake, Esq., after which the company repaired to the tables
spread beneath the oak trees on the lot now occupied by the resi-
dence of the late D. W. Russell on High street, where five hun-
dred people sat down to a sumptuous repast. At the conclusion
of the dinner, thirteen salutes were fired which closed the pro-
gram.
The Camden Brass Band just .mentioned was organized
this year, with the following members : Paul Stevens, leader ;
280 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Lorenzo Swett, D. B. Withington, James Cusic, Thomas Wood,
Jacob Anderson, Jr., Edmund Barnes, Edwin A. Tyler, Theo. P.
Tyler, George Berry, Geo. P. Gilkey and Austin Hosmer. This
was an excellent band, but the organization lasted but two years
on account of its membership being broken by deaths and re-
movals from town.
It was during this year that the Ladies' Library at Goose
River was estabhshed. Mrs. Alex. Martin was chosen Librarian,
and Mrs. Lucy Piper, Treasurer.
The Temple of Honor also began operations at Camden har-
bor this year in the institution of Excelsior Lodge, No. 4. In
this society there is a Social Degree," in which the ladies par-
ticipated. The order here numbered about ■ one hundred mem-
bers, about equally divided between the sexes. We are not
informed as to who were the first officers of this Lodge, which
continued in an active state until its hall, records and regalia
were destroyed in the fire of 18S3.
1849. The principal town officers elected at the annual
town meeting held this year on April 2, were, James F. Thorn-
dike, Town Clerk ; Thomas B. Grose, H. H. Cleveland and
Wm. A. Norwood, Selectmen ; and Hiram Bass, Treasurer.
This year the Abolition or Liberty party gave place to the
Free Soil party which mustered 7,987 votes in the state and had
Geo. F. Talbot for its candidate for Governor. EUjah L. Hamlin
was again the Whig candidate, and John Hubbard was the Dem-
ocratic candidate. Mr. Hubbard was elected. In Camden he
received 287 votes, Mr. Hamlin, 174, and Mr. Talbot, 18.
Christopher Young, Jr., was elected Representative, having 262
votes, while Abraham Simonton, his chief opponent, had 206.
An act of congress was approved March S, 1849, appropriat-
ing $3,500 for building a lighthouse on Beauchamp Point. This
appropriation was obtained through the influence of Hon. Ephraim
K. Smart, who was then a member of Congress. The light-
house was built on Indian Island the following year for the
A PORT OF ENTRY 281
accommodation of Goose River harbor. ^ Silas Piper was the first
lighthouse keeper appointed. ^
Another act of Congress passed through the influence of Mr.
Smart this year and one of great importance to the town, as a
source of revenue and prosperity, was the creation of Camden as a
Port of Entry and the setting ofl of some of the principal islands
of Penobscot Collection District to the District in which Camden
was embraced". Camden was a port of delivery in the Waldoboro
District as early as the year 1799, and it is said that Joseph Eaton,
our first postmaster, was also the first revenue officer appointed at
this place. ^ In 1818, Camden became a part of the new Bel-
fast District, which included " all the ports and harbors on the
western shore of Penobscot bay and river from the town of Camden
to the town of Bangor inclusive." The towns transferred from
the Penobscot Collection District to the Belfast District by the
Thirtieth Congress in 1849, were, Vinalhaven, North Haven and
Islesboro. This transfer was the occasion of a warm and animated
contest between Col. Smart of the 5th Congressional District and
Hezekiah Williams of Castine, the member from the 6th Con-
gressional District. Both members saw that the transfer of these
towns would also transfer a large portion of the business of fitting
out fishermen, which was then a lucrative one, from Castine to
1. Indian Island is connected witli the main land by a bar whicli is
passable at low water.
2. The keepers of Indian Island Light have been as follows : Silas Piper,
Wm. McLaughlin , Richard Grinnell, David S. Arey and the present keeper,
Edmund Coflii.
3. Our customs officials have been as follows: Joseph Eaton , 1799 to 1805.
Calvin Curl is to 1828. Joshua Dillingham, Jr., to 1838. Frfderick Conway to
1841. James Clark to 1849. Joseph C. Stetson to 1853 Jonathan Huse fo 1868.
Geo. B. Moore to 1861. T. R. Slmonton to 1866. Edward Gushing to 1867. T.
K. Simonton to 1880. H. L. Shej)herd to 1887. T. A. Hunt to 1888. J. H. Sher-
man to 1889 (When Mr. Sherman was appointed, Rockport was made a Port
of Delivery and the office transferred to that village, where it has remained
to the present time.) H. L. Shepherd to 1893. E. A. Wentworth to 1897. (Dur-
ing Mr. Wentworth's term an office was also established at Camden village
with C. O. Montgomery as Deputy, which, however, was discontinued after a
few months.) L. H. Lovejoy from 1897 to the present time.
282 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Camden, hence the sharp struggle between these two members,
which resuhed in a victory for Col. Smart. Just prior to this.
Col. Smart had arranged for the Custom House ofBcer here to
have the right to transact all business which could be done at the
principal port in the Collection District. This was a great advan-
tage to Camden people, as it prevented the necessity of traveling
eighteen miles to Belfast to transact business at the Custom House.
When the island towns were transferred to the Belfast District,
Camden having facilities for transacting every kind of Custom
House business, and being nearer than Castine, nearly the whole
fleet of fishing vessels belonging in Vinalhaven and North Haven,
at once came to Camden to fit out, and for all purposes in con-
nection with the voyages, bringing with them a large amount of
business and increasing the prosperity of the town.
In February, 1848, gold was discovered on the Sacramento
River in California, and shortly afterwards in various other localities.
In a few months rumors of this discovery reached the Atlantic
coast. In the latter part ofthe year these rumors were verified,
and in the early part of 1849 the gold excitement had reached a
fever heat all over the country. Thousands rushed from the
eastern states to this great Eldorado, making their way thither
around Cape Horn, across the Isthmus of Panama or Central,
America, and across the great central, uninhabited plains of the
continent. There were but few towns in our state that did not
see, at least, a few " Forty-niners," as they were afterwards called,
start away for these realms of gold." Among them Camden
furnished its part. Some twenty-five or more Camden men
bought the brig Perfect, built in East Boston, to carry soldiers to
the Mexican war, and well fitted for the voyage around Cape
Horn, and with Capt. Jaifies Stackpole as master, and Capt. Geo.
Dow of Thomaston as pilot, with passengers and crew, making
some forty-five in all, left Camden in November for San Francisco.
The voyage was a successful one of about six months duration.
The brig reached its destination in due season, having touched
A PORT OF ENTRY 283
only at Rio Janeiro and Valparaiso. After reaching San Francisco
the vessel was taken up to Sacramento, where its passengers
disposed of the oakum, several house frames and other chattels
which they brought with them. The brig was then purchased by
James W. Clark and three other members of the party and taken by
them' to Chili and sold. These "49ers" did not become very
wealthy from their venture, but unlike many adventurers at that
time, they escaped disease and death, and the most of them at
various times and by various ways, returned to the East. The
only survivors of the expedition are Mr. Alexander Buchanan of
Camden and Mr. James W. Clark, now of Rockland.
This year two old and prominent citizens, father and son,
died within a few weeks of each other. They were Lewis Ogier,
who died January 28, and his son, Abraham Ogier, who died June 12.
Lewis Ogier was born in England, was the only son of Abraham
Ogier, one of the earliest settlers of the town, and came here with
his father from Quebec in 1771, at the age of eleven years. Thus
Mr. Ogier was one of the first of those sturdy men who braved
the wilderness to settle in Camden. Mr. Ogier was a very active
man and served his town in many capacities, and during his long
life was noted for his honesty of purpose, cheerful disposition and
temperate habits. Among other positions held by him was that
of Deputy Sherifl. He built the house that stood near the pres-
ent comer of Elm and Washington streets, where the " Camden
Block" now stands, and which was destroyed in the fire of 1892,
where he lived and died. In 1828 he built the brick building
which is now a part of the Anchor Works, where he carried on a
carding business. Mr. Ogier was one of the earliest members of
Amity Lodge, F. & A. M., took a great interest in its welfare and
was a constant attendant upon its meetings. He was for several
years Secretary of the Lodge and during the " dark days " of
Masonry he was one of the " Immortal Nine " who saved the
Lodge from dissolution. Mr. Ogier married Lucy, daughter of
Robert Thomdike', by whom he had twelve children, and many
284 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
of his numerous progeny live today in this section. He married
again late in life and died at the age of nearly 89 years.
The children of Lewis and Lucy Ogier were : Abraham, Mary,
(who married Charles Porter) Deborah, (who married Jonas
Blanden) Peter, Lewis Jr., Robert, Lucy, (who married Capt.Wm.
Blake) Joseph, John, Andrew, Sarah, (who married John Thom-
Le-wis Ogier
dike) and William. Of these children, Peter went to New Orleans,
where he accumulated a handsome property ; Lewis Jr., died at
sea; Joseph at San Domingo ; John died at the age of 19 years.
The other sons lived in Camden. The descendants of Lewis
Ogier have been and are a sturdy people and strongly marked
with the peculiarities that have characterized the Huguenot race.
A PORT OF ENTRY 285
Among them the strong ties of family and kindred are particularly
noticeable in the Ogier family to the present day.
Abraham Ogier was born in Camden, Oct. 23, 1783. He re-
ceived from his father the " Ogier Farm" and in 1830 built
on " Ogier's Hill" the brick house now owned by Mrs. E. J.Parker
of Quincy, 111., where he lived until his death. This farm re-
mained in the Ogier family until it was sold in 1888, by his
son, Mr. Joseph W. Ogier. In addition to carrying on his
farm, Mr. Ogier was associated with his father in the carding
business and was one of the successful and prominent citizens
of his day. He was a life long Democrat in politics. In
town affairs he took much interest and was several times
selectman. He also held the office of Trial Justice for many
years, and presided at the trial of many local law cases. Mr.
Ogier was one of the most prominent Masons in this section.
He joined Amity Lodge when a young man and kept up his
interest in it until the day of his death. He held nearly all
the offices in the gift of the Lodge and was six times its
Master, thus serving in that capacity more than any other
member in its history. He was also one of the " Immortal Nine."
Mr. Ogier married Martha McKellar, by whom he had eleven
children, four of whom died young. The other seven are, Abra-
ham, Mary A., (who married Richard Martin) Eliza J., (who
married Wm. Hall) Frederick, Martha E., (who manied Thos.
B. Hodgman) Joseph W. and Lucy. For a second wife he mar-
ried Anna Lundy, widow of his brother, Lewis, by whom he had
five children, Peter F., Philomelia Antoinette, (who married Capt.
W. D. Whittemore) Susannah E., Edwin and Eben L. At the
time of his death he was nearly 66 years of age.
286 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Fate of the Filibusters.
1850. During the first half of the nineteenth century
Camden had a slow, but steady growth in population and wealth,
and at the opening of the year 1850, had attained a high degree
of industrial prosperity. All branches of industry represented
here found a sure reward for their development, and shipbuilding
and many other enterprises were in active and successful operation.
In the decade preceding, the inhabitants of the town had increased
by exactly one thousand souls, the census showing a population
at this time of 4005. The financial affairs of the town, at this
time, if we are to take the word of the Committee on Accounts in
their report to the town meeting in the spring of 1849, were "in a
most deplorable condition." This committee, consisting of Robert
Harkness and Abraham Ogier, was evidently at logger-heads with
the board of belectmen. They say that it had always been the
practice for the books and accounts of the town to go into the
hands of the committee for investigation, but this year "these
ancient usages and privileges have been violated. We have been
forced to make our investigation under the immediate supervision
and constant interruption of the Chairman of your selectmen, who
assumed the right of dictating and controlling our deliberations."
They also complain that the chairman of selectmen removed
important papers out of their reach and had tried to confuse them
so that they were not able to make an accurate report. They
THE FILIBUSTERS 287
report many outstanding town orders, upon which interest had
accrued, that only a part of the state and county tax had been
paid, and that in other ways considerable of a town debt had
accumulated.
The town at once proceeded to make assessments for the
purpose of paying the debt, and at the annual meeting April 1,
1850, we find $1,000 raised for that purpose. The whole amount
raised for town purposes at this meeting was 14,230, divided as
follows: For incidental expenses, $500; for schools, $1,530; for
support of poor, $800 ; for repairing roads and bridges, $400 ;
to pay town debt, $1,000. In addition to this, at a meeting held
April 22, it was voted to raise the sum of $5,000 to repair high-
ways, same to be expended in labor. The confidence the town
officials had La the road money being honestly "worked out" by
the various tax payers, is shown by the recommendation of the
committee on accounts at about this time, viz.: "$4,000 to be
expended in labor on the Roads & Bridges, or $1,500 in cash
instead of the $4,000."
At the annual meeting this year the following officers were
elected : Town Clerk, B. J. Porter ; Selectmen, H. H. Cleveland,
Robert Harkness and William Merriam ; Treasurer, Hiram Bass.
Among the other officers, H. B. Eaton, N. L. Josslyn and George
W. Simonton were elected Superintending School Committee.
" Chose John Ingraham, Collector and voted to give said Collec-
tor three cents on the dollar ; and voted that the Collector collect
the tax within the year, and if not Collected within the year the
said Collector is to give a note with sureties, on interest, for the
balance of Tax not collected, to the Inhabitants of Camden."
The gubernatorial candidates this year were John Hubbard,
Democrat, William G. Crosby, Whig, and Geo. F. Talbot, Free
Soil. Gov. Hubbard was elected. In Camden he received 309
votes, Mr. Crosby, 161, and Mr. Talbot, 10. Col. Smart was
again elected to Congress. Camden attested its appreciation of
what he had done for the town by showing practically no opposi-
288 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
tion to him, giving him 365 votes to 20 for his opponent. Abner
Dunton of Hope, now almost a centenarian, was elected County
Commissioner, receiving 310 votes in Camden. Christopher
Young, Jr., was elected Representative, having 290 votes, while
Hiram Bass had 168.
This year the constitution was amended to make the political
year begin in January, as it did originally, instead of in May as it
had for the preceding six years. Camden voted 81 in favor of
the amendment and 11 against it. On account of this amend-
ment, Gov. Hubbard and the state and county officials " held
over" without an election in 1851, the next state election being
in September, 1852.
During this year there was considerable excitement
aroused in the country over an attempted invasion of
Cuba by a force organized and officered in the United States, in
violation of the existing neutrality laws, in which episode a Cam-
den vessel and several Camden citizens were involuntary partici-
pants. At that time it was said that the better element among
the inhabitants of Cuba were uneasy and restive under Spanish
rule and desired independence, and that they would quickly and
gladly co-operate with any armed force that might invade the
island for the purpose of overthrowing the Spanish government.
Gen. Narciso Lopez, a native of the island, probably deceived by
designing politicians, as to the real state of affairs in this particular,
proceeded to New Orleans for the purpose of organizing a force of
filibusters. In the meantime the bark Georgiana, built at Lincoln-
ville and hailing from Camden, of which Capt. Rufus Benson of
Camden was captain, and Joseph Graffam of Camden, mate, sailed
from this port with lime for New Orleans. Of the bark's crew of
five men, one was Mr. Robert J. Burd of Camden, then twenty-
one years of age. ■^ The bark arrived at its destination in due sea-
son and discharged its cargo of lime. It was then , chartered by
1. The facts for the narrative of this adventure were chiefly furnislied
hy Mr. Kobert J. Bird and Mr. Silas C. Benson.
THE FILIBUSTERS 289
certain parties to take a large number of men to Chagras, S. A.,
to work in the mines there. At the time appointed for sailing
the "miners" came down to the dock where the vessel lay, in
droves and came aboard at once. They were, indeed, a "hard
crowd," composed of men of almost every nationality, many of
them doubtless cut-throats and criminals, and nearly all of them
adventurers of the most vicious character, ready to embark upon
any undertaking, however desperate or evil. Some, however,
had evidently been forced or inveigled into the venture while in a
state of intoxication, among them a rich old planter from up river,
who was' hustled on board with the rest. When this motley
crowd came to the vessel, many of them were drunk and quarrel-
some, and in the process of embarkation one of them was killed
in a row. No sooner were they on board than those in charge
of them also assumed to take charge of the bark and proceeded
to cut the mooring lines, and a steamer at once towed her into
the stream and down to the mouth of the river, whence she put
to sea, shaping her course toward Chagras. When she arrived at
Women's Island, off the point of Yucatan, the bark was anchored
and presently the brig, Susan Loud, of Boston, also appeared and
cast anchor near her. The Loud was commanded by Capt. Simeon
Pendleton, formerly of Camden, but then a citizen of Boston, who
had one Thomas Hale as mate. It soon transpired that the Loud
was also heavily loaded with " miners" and that both vessels were
waiting for something. They had not long to wait before a
steamer appeared, coming from the United States, having on
board arms and ammunition and the arch filibuster, Lopez, him-
self. The character of the expedition now became evident and
the work of transhipping the men, a few at a time, from the two
sailing vessels to the steamer, at once began. Some fifty odd of
the men aboard the Georgiana, among them the planter, who
proved to be a man of character, courage and intelligence, refused
absolutely to be transfened to the steamer and were finally left on
board with the officers and crew, while the steamer sailed for
290 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPOET
Cuba, having taken Capt. Pendleton of the Susan Loud, who was
a skillful pilot, to guide them to the Cuban coast, where they
safely arrived, and landed at Cardenas on May 19. Lopez was
disappointed in not receiving large accessions to his ranks from
deserting Spanish soldiers and discontented native Cubans and
things getting too warm for comfort, re-embarked upon the
steamer and started for the coast of Florida, pursued by a Spanish
war vessel. The steamer by the desperate expedient of burning
in its furnaces nearly everything aboard that was combustible,
succeeded in escaping and reaching Key West, whence Capt.
Pendleton came home and Lopez turned his attention ' to the
organization of another expedition which he hoped would be more
successful in the attempt to free his native Cuba from the
tyrannical rule of Spain. * But to return to our Camden friends.
After the men were taken off, the Georgiana and the Loud
remained in the same vicinity for several days, when a Spanish
man-of-war, towing an armed brig, put in an appearance, and as
they approached the two harmless Yankee crafts their officers and
men were evidently in a serious state of trepidation lest the terri-
ble Yankees might prove dangerous, as their guns were frowning
from the ports and their decks were cleared for action. Finding
that they need have no fear, they at last sent officers on board
the two crafts, took possession of them and carried th se on board
to Havana. ^ There the sailors remained for several months,
sleeping on bare planks and given little to eat except stewed
black peas, being kept on shipboard as prisoners, and taken very
1. Lopez undertook another filibustering expedition for tlie liberation <il'
Cuba in 1851. In August of that year lie sailed from New Orleans with a
force of 480 men and landed on th« northern coast of Cuba, where he left
Col. Wm, L. Crittenden of Kentucky with 100 men and hiiuself proceeded
into the interior. Crittenden and his party were captured and taken lo
Havana and shot. Loi>ez was aiiain disappointed. Thern was no uprising
in Cuba to assist him nnd his little army Avas attacked and d fe ited, he him-
self becoming a fugitive ill the mountains. He was soon afterwards cap-
tured with six of his followers and taken to Havana and executed.
2. See Locke's Sketches, Page 214.
THE FILIBUSTERS 291
often before some Spanish tribunal for trial or examination. But
little information, however, was obtained from them, as they
knew nothing about the undertaking except what their ships'
articles showed. At last on Sept. S, through the influence of the
United States government they were brought on shore and placed
in a boarding house, and given $5.00 each for spending money.
They remained there for two days, visited by many Americans
who were in the city, but who, on account of the excitement and
intense feeling against Americans, did not dare to befriend them
openly. They, however, often slyly, left money with their land-
lord to relieve their wants. At the end of that time they were
allowed to go on board a vessel by which they were brought to
iSIew York.
The officers of the two vessels did not fare so well as the
sailors. Capt. Benson and Mate Graffam of the Georgiana and
Mate Hale of the Loud, were confmed for several months in irons
in Monro Castle, and were finally condemned to the chain gang
for life and carried to Spain in a Spanish man-of-war. In the
meantime the mother of Graffam, Sarah Graffam, of Camden, a
woman of spirit and determination, started for Washington to
obtain, if possible, the assistance of the government to release the
prisoners. She reached the capital in safety and solicited the
help of the Maine men in congress to get an interview with the
President and Secretary of State, in which she was successful, and
was kindly treated by the President, who promised to use his
influence to secure the release of her son and his companions.
She. then went to Cuba, but on arriving there found that the
prisoners had been sent to Spain, so could only return to her
home. The government made a demand on Spain to release the
prisoners, and when they arrived in Spain they were released and
allowed to return home. The two vessels were never recovered
by their owners.
The next spring Mrs. Graffam wrote a letter of thanks " to
the public," which is of interest in this connection, an abstract of
292 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
which is as follows :
Thinking it my duty and esteeming it a privilege to make
my thanks public to all whom it may concern, for their kindness
to me while on my way to Washington and from thence to Cuba,
striving to procure the release of my son, Joseph A. Graffam, and
his unfortunate companions, who were there prisoners in irons
with that people whose tender mercies are cruel, I will com-
mence with those gentlemen belonging to Camden, my home,
the Hon. J. Hall, R. Chase, Esq., and Hon. E. K. Smart, for
their kind letters of introduction which assisted me more while at
Washington,, than money could have done. I will also return
thanks to those gentlemen who contributed to my assistance on
the day I left Camden. I would return my thanks to all Captains
and Clerks of Steamboats, Agents, Directors of Railroads and Land-
lords of Hotels for their sympathy and kindness to me, a widow,
while on my journey. I would especially acknowledge my giat-
itude to the Press, for the interest manifested in my behalf. I
would also tender my respects to the Right Hon. Millard Filmore,
President of the U. S., for his kindness and benevolence, not
forgetting the Hon. W. S. Derrick, Acting Secretary of State, for
his services ; also the Hon. Messrs. Hamlin and Sawtelle, States-
men from Maine, together with a number of gentlemen, whose
ames I have forgotten, whose assistance and sympathy In
received at Washington, while on my erirand of mercy ; to those
gentlemen I would say with gratitude, may Heaven's choicest
blessings rest upon you. * * * * a.s for Mr. Daniel
Webster, who has the honor to be Secretary of State, I can say
nothing, either of his kindness or sympathy to me. Suffice it to
say, if he remains in office, may God give him a new heart as he
did Nebuchadnezzar when he was transformed from a beast back
to the capacity of a man. * I have lately received my son (who
was mate of the unfortunate bark, Georgiana) to the embraces of
his famjly and friends, released by the Spanish government.
, Sarah Graffam. ^
Camden, March 14, 1851.
This year or thereabout. Nathaniel Dillingham, who had been
prominent in town affairs, removed to Oldtown, Maine. Mr.
i Mrs. GrafEam did not receive tlie sympathy and consideration from
Mr. Webster that she thonght her case deserved,
5. rnhlislied in the Camden Advertiser.
THE FILIBUSTERS 293
Dillingham was the son of the early settler, Joshua Dillingham,
and was bom in Camden soon after his father settled here, Oct. 13,
1783. In 1805 he settled on a part of his father's farm, his
house beingwhat has since been known as the " Capt. Ruel D.
Kent house " on Belfast Road. He married Miss Deborah Mirick
of Princeton, Mass., by whom he had six children. Mr. Dilling-
ham was selectman from 1824 to 1831, and was for a number of
years a member ot the town Committee on Accounts. He was
also for several years. Cashier of Megunticook Bank. Though ar
farmer by occupation, he sometimes served as clerk when not
occupied with the business of his farm, and served in other posi- '
tions. which his ability as an accountant and penman, well fitted
him to fill. Mr. Dillingham died Nov. 30, 1863. His eldest
son, Theodore, who died in Oldtown, March 7, 1858, was the
father of Mr. Edwin F. Dillingham of Bangor, who has for so
many years been a summer resident of Camden, and who. with
his sons. Dr. Frederick H. Dillingham and Mr. Edwin L. Dilling- ,
ham, of New York, owns the valuable cottage property on what
is now known as " Dillingham's Point."
This year Camden lost a citizen of unique character in the
death of Daniel Barrett, Dec. 1, at the age of 90 years. Mr.
Barrett was a native of Concord, Mass., and came to Camden
about 1792 and that year purchased of Wm. Molineaux land on
Beauchamp Neck. Aug. 4, 1794, he married Peggy Grose and
having built a house on his land, carried on the farming business.
As has already been related, Mr. Barrett projected and carried
out the plan of building the "Turnpike," which enterprise alone
will make his name known to posterity. A former biographer of
Mr. Barrett says : " The characteristics most prominent in Mr.
Barrett, were his scheming proclivities, his energy, industry and
rectitude of character. A legal gentleman in speaking to the
writer about the subject of this sketch, remarked upon an instance
of his exactness, as illustrated in a clause of a deed conveying
land from him to a member of his family. Said property was to
294 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
be owned by them and their heirs, in the language employed, as
long as oak grows and water runs.' " Mr. Barrett was in no
sense an office seeker, and whenever he acted in a public capacity,
it was at the demand of those who had confidence in his integrity,
judgment and good sense. For over half a century Mr. Barrett
was a devoted disciple of Wesley. He was the father of twelve
children and many of his descendants are today respected resi-
dents of Camden and Rockport. His "Turnpike" farm property
was later owned by his son, Wm. H. Barrett, while hisBeauchamp
farm was divided between his sons, John and Amos. The original
" Beauchamp " farm is now owned by Mr. A. H. Chatfield of
Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Barrett's children were Daniel Jr., Samuel,
John, Charles, William, Amos, Dorcas, (who married Sylvanus
Russell) Mary J., (who married Hanson Andrews) and' Margaret.
The others died young. With the exception of Daniel Jr.,
who Hved in Northport, all of Mr. Barrett's sons passed their lives
in Camden and Rockport. Three of them, John, Charles and
Amos, at one time engaged extensively in the manufacture of
lime at Rockport village.
ENTERS "ROCKPORT" 295
CHAPTER XXXV.
Enters "Rockport."
1851. There was no change from 1850 in the Town
Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer elected at the annual meeting,
held this year April 7, except that H. H. Cleveland and Robert
Harkness reversed their positions on the board of selectmen,
Harkness being first and Cleveland, second. It was voted to
choose ' ' Geo. W. Simonton, Supervisor, instead of a school com-
mittee." The report of the Committee on Accounts this year
showed the town debt to be $3,087.49.
During the latter part of the year 1851, an academy was
opened here and a Mr. Butterfield was engaged as principal.
Sixty-eight scholars attended the first term. This step was taken
with the hope of receiving assistance from the state in a grant of
land. The Legislature did not vote the grant as expected and
the institution after a brief existence, suspended.
Major Edward Hanford, an old and prominent citizen of
Camden, died May 3, 1851, at the home of his son-in-law, L. R.
Palmer, Eisq. Major Hanford was bom in Norwalk, Conn., came
to Camden about the year 1806, and worked at his trade, that of
a hatter. He was a lieutenant in the war of 1812 and was- after-
wards promoted to the rank of major. We have met him frequent-
ly in this history at the time of the war and also as being active
in town affairs. He was selectman one year and town clerk four
years and held other town offices. During the last twenty years
296 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
of his life, he was unable on account of poor health, to continue
his former activity in public affairs. He was the father of three
daughters. Susannah and Mary, (both of whom married Lemuel
R. Palmer) and Lucy, (who married Capt. Nath'l Eaton.) He
owned the fine old place on Chestnut street, formerly the resi-
dence of the late Hon. Thaddeus R. Simonton and now owned
by Mrs. Simonton.
Mr. Alden Bass, another promient citizen, also died this year.
Mr. Bass was born in Hanover, Mass., Jan. 30, 1776. He came
to this town about the year 1800, where, as a house carpenter, he
began working at his trade. March 5, 1802, he married Miss
Rhoda Tyler, a native of Methuen, Mass., by whom he had three
children. Hiram, Clarissa, (who married Jonas Howe) and
Mary, (who married Joseph G. Mirick. ) He is said to have cast
one of the first two votes cast in this town by the Republican or
Democratic party in opposition to the Federal party, which was
the political idol of the early residents of the town, thus showing
his strength of mind and independence of character. He was an
earnest partisan and later became a leader of his party here and
was elected Representative to the General Court in 1814. In
1825, when there was a re-arrangement of parties, he identified
himself with the Whig'party, with which he afterwards acted. In
his trade he was an industrious and finished workman. He built
and owned the house on Elm street, recently the residence of
Capt. Isaac Coombs and now the home of Mr. C. W. Babb. He
died Oct. 26, 1851.
1852. At the annual meeting held this year on April 5,
the same town officers were again re-elected, except that P. J.
Carleton was elected Town Clerk. William Merriam, however,
was elected First Selectman, Robert Harkness, Second and H.
H. Cleveland, Third, being another change in the positions of
the members of the old board. The report of the Committee on
Accounts shows a reduction of the town debt during the year, of
$1,297.30.
ENTERS ROCKPORT" 297
Political parties this year began to have something of a
shaking up in the state, various parties appearing, each of which
nominated a candidate for Governor, Congressman, etc. This
state of affairs continued until 1857, when the cleavage of opin-
ion in political matters crystallized into a division of the voters of
the state into the present Republican and Democratic parties. In
1852 the old Democratic party divided into two hostile factions,
then distinguished by the refined appellations of " Wool Heads"
and " Wild Cats." The latter faction was also known as the
" Anti-Maine Law " party, which resulted from the Prohibitory
law enacted by the Legislature and approved by Gov. Hubbard
in 1851. Four candidates for Governor appeared this year, viz.:
John Hubbard, the regular Democratic candidate, William G.
Crosby, Whig, Anson G. Chandler, Anti-Maine Law, and Ezekiel
Holmes, Free Soil. Gov. Hubbard received a plurality of the
votes cast, but not a majority, and the Legislature after a strenuous
and protracted contest, elected Mr. Crosby.
The vote in Camden reflects exceedingly well the political
feeling and the result of the balloting in the state. It resulted as
follows: John Hubbard, 236 ; Wm. G. Crosby, 246; Anson G.
Chandler, 159 ; Ezekiel Holmes, 2. At this election the two
candidates for County, Attorney were both residents of Camden,
and in this town Wm. A. Codman had 353 votes and Nath'l T.
Talbot, 275. Mr. Codman was the successful candidate. Eph-
raim M. Wood, Whig, was elected Representative, receiving 284
votes. The other candidates being Samuel C. Chase andObadiah
Brown.
January 9, Mr. F. C. Messinger, who came here from Clin-
ton, Mass., began the publication of a newspaper called the "Cam-
den .<4rfi/Brfeer." The size of the sheet was 15x21 inches. This
paper was printed in Camden until the last month of the year
when it was removed to Rockland, where it continued its exist-
ence under the name of " Commercial Advertiser" until 1854,
when it was discontinued. After removing to Rockland it still
298 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
purported to be published at Camden, although it sometimes
hailed from Rockland. During the first sixteen months of its
existence the Advertiser was neutral in politics and religion, but
at the beginning of the campaign of 1853 the editor placed the
name of the Whig candidate for Governor at the head of its editorial
page, and subsequently advocated the principles of the Whig
party.
In February of this year Hon. E. K. Smart, then serving his
last term in Congress, presented to that body a petition of Camden
men, headed by Capt John Glover, for the erection of spindles
and buoys at the entrance of Camden harbor, and they were sub-
sequently erected.
Goose River had now grown to be a village of some impor-
tance and its people felt that it should be designated by some
more euphonious and appropriate name, and in May of this year
a public meeting of the citizens of the village was called to con-
sider the matter of adopting a new name for the post-office there.
Many names were suggested and discussed, but the very appro-
priate name of " Rockport " -^ was finally determined upon as the
1. The post-offlces and post-masters In the present lown of Eockpo.it
have been as follows :
West Camden (changed to West Rockport Jan. 1, 1892, after the division of
the town) post-office established In 1834. Post-masters, Stephen Bhitows to
1846; George Norwood and Amos Knowles, to 1854; Calvin Hi mlngway to
1863; Miles S. Leach and Billot Orbeton to 1886; Henry Y. Vlnal to 1892; J. W.
Oxton to the present time.
Goose Elver (changed to Eockport in 1852) post-office established in 1840. '
Post-masters, Silas Piper, Alexander Martin, Thomas Spear, Alexander Mar-
tin, (ending 1861) Anstin Sweetland to 1881; Perez Cooper to 1886; Thomas
Peri-yto 1890; Perez Cooperto 1894; C. E. Paul to 1898; John Harkness to the
Ijrescnt time.
Eockville post office established in 1853. Post-masters, Alvin Hewett,
Elisha Gurney, Waterman Gurney, Alvin O. Kecne, Ephraim C. I.ontr, Wil-
liam Barrows, Hiram Ewell (who held the office for 27 year.-,) and Lottie H.
Ewell, the present incumbent.
Glencove (formerly Clam Cove) post-office established in 1892, with Alvin
Ingraham, post-master. The presejit incumbent Is Elizabeth H. Ingrahajn.
Simonton. A post-office was established under this name at Simonton's
Corner in 1894, with P. A. Rollins as post-master. He was succeeded by A. B.
Farnham who was the incumbent when the office was disuontinued in 1901.
ENTERS ROCKPORT" 299
one to be adopted. Some of the people of Rockland objected to
the adoption of this name on account of its similarity to the name
of that town adopted in the place of "East Thomaston" two
years before, and the Rockland Gazette in its issue of May IS
came out in opposition to it. The following week a resident at
the River, over the signature of " Cleo " responded through the
Camden Advertiser as follows :
The editor of the Rockland Gazette in his last week's issue
complains of our adoption of Rockport as the new name for our
post-office, from that oi-Goose River, although he admits the pro-
priety of a change. He then proceeds to give grave reasons why
our ears and love of gain should have been less pleased with our
selection. He ought to be willing to grant us the same liberty
in choice that his people exercised. Ours was not original with
us, nor was theirs with them ; both existed before. If theirs was
appropriate to them, surely ours is to us, as the editor himself
would admit, were he ever to look upon our rock-bound port. He
regards us as having been a little too sharp in our selection, so
similar to theirs, and living so near, together with the identity of
the general business. Herein is its peculiar fitness. No reason-
able man could object to these causes. If the people of Rock-
land were so happy in the choice of their name, certainly they
should not be displeased if we were so struck with its appropriat-
ness as to seek an alHteration of the same. But the editor is so
unchristian as to intimate that we were prompted in this choice
by the hope that the products of our quarries and kilns would be
more marketable. How? From having been manufactured where
the post-office bore a name somewhat like that of their town !
Wonderful ! The consumer will have occasion to be ever grateful
to the sage editor for his timely warning of the stupendous fraud
about to be attempted. Much as we admire the energy and go-
ahead spirit of our Rockland neighbors, far be it from us to wish
to pluck any laurels from their brows with which to enrich our-
selves. We, too, like them, fully subscribe to the editor's quoted
proverb, ' let every tub stand on its own bottom.' We have been
sensible of the value of our extensive quarries. Our interests
have prompted us to improvement in our lime manufacture. We
seek no borrowed reputation ; with its trial is its approval, even
with the Camden brand, we ask no other. Our people find a
300 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
ready sale for all they can make, and that at remunerating prices.
In our mail correspondence the editor also anticipates much
inconvenience. In this I think his fears are groundless. Our
post-masters ought to be able to distinguish between 'Rack-land
and Rock-por^; if they cannot, the government should furnish
them with specs.
From this time " Goose River " became "Rockport," the
former name going out of use. ' Goose River" is now entirely
obsolete, except in referring to the stream of that name.
On August 31 of this year a small sized political paper called
the ' Pine Tree State" made its first appearance and continued
for six weeks to vigorously and ably advocate the election of
Franklin Pierce to the Presidency and the principles generally of
the " Wool Heads " branch of the Democratic party. Col. E.
K. Smart was its editor, although his name did not appear as
such. According to the Camden Advertiser, during the first four
weeks of its publication, soine 19,200 copies of the Pine Tree
State were printed and circulated ; the most of them in this con-
gressional district, though not a few found their way to all parts of
the state.
The actual political complexion of Camden at this time is
best shown by the vote at the presidential election in November
of this year, when President Pierce was elected. In this election
there was no division in the ranks of the Democratic party, and
the candidates for Pierce and King electors received 256 votes,
while the candidates for Scott and Graham (Whig) electors
received 203, and the electoral ticket nominated by the Free Soil
party, received 18.
This year the town lost an active and valuable citizen in the
death of Mr. Robert Chase. Mr. Chase was bom in Exeter, New
Hampshire in November, 1782. He served his apprenticeship
at the blacksmith trade in Portsmouth and then made a ' ' pros-
pecting" tour eastward. He anived at Camden in March, 1803,
and liking the place and soon finding employment, he concluded
to proceed no farther, but to become a permanent citizen of the
ENTERS ROCKPORT" 301
place. He married Miss Betsey Holt of York, Maine, on Jan-
uary 26, 1806, by whom he had eight children, viz.: Mary J.,
(who married James Burd) Samuel, Robert Jr., Benjamin, Kath-
erine, (who married Valentine Mansfield) Elmira, (who manied
William W. Currier) Elizabeth, (who married Jacob Graffam) and
Lucy A., (who married Joseph Graffam.) In 1811 he was
chosen Third Selectman and two years later he was chosen First
Selectman, which office he held without a break until 1824. He
was several times afterwards elected to the office of Selectman
and in all held the position some nineteen years. It will be
-recollected that while serving the town as First Selectman, during
that exciting period of its history when 'it was threatened with
destruction by the British, he went on board the British frigate,
Furieuse, (in 1814) as one of the hostages while negotiations
were going on between the naval officers and the town relative
to the question of the payment of the 180,000 tribute to prevent
the burning of the harbor village. The town having refused to
compensate the hostages for the pecuniary loss that they suffered
by being detained from their business, the amount was made up
by private subscription. ^ In 1837 and 1838 Mr. Chase repre-
sented the town in the Legislature. Mr. Chase was a systematic
man and possessed a remarkable memory and excellent judgment.
These qualities and the confidence that his fellow-townsmen had
in his integrity, often caused him to be called by them to fill
places of trust and responsibility. His house was the southerly
part of the building on the corner of Elm and Chestnut streets
now owned by Mr. H. M. Bean. He died suddenly of apoplexy
while at work in his shop. May 1, 1852, aged 70 yeais.
1. The heading of this subscription paper was drawn by Judge Thayer
and was shown to Mr. Locke by Mrs. Thayer. Inafoot- oteof his " Sketches,"
Page 222, Mr. Locke gives said heading wlilch reads as follows :
" Whereas, the sum of S146.28 has been expended in attempllng to effect
the liberation of Messrs. Gushing and Chase, late on board the nrltish frigate,
Furieuse, as hostages; eacli of the undersigned, therefore, wishing likewise
that Mr Chase should be paid the further sum of $60 for his tin)e and ex-
penses while a hostage as aforesaid, promises to pay the sum set against his
name for the purpose of defraying the above expenses an 1 paying Mr. Chase
for his 'lm« and expenses as above stated. Feb. 7, 1815." The iimount sub-
scribed amou ,ts to $201.
302 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXXVI.
POLITICAL Ebullitions.
1853. Philander J. Carleton was again elected Town
Clerk at the annual meeting held April 4. Cornelius Thomas,
Robert Harkness and Amos Barrows, Jr., were elected Selectmen,
and Hiram Bass, Treasurer.
"Chose E. G. Knight to oversee the building 'of the road
from Camden Village to Rockport." This was the road
now known as Union street. Prior to this time the roads con-
necting the two villages were by Chestnut street and over the
Elm street hill to Hartford's Corner.
The political parties this year were the regular Anti-Maine
Law Democrats, whose candidate was Albert Pillsbury ; Maine
Law Democrats, who nominated Anson P. Morrill; Whigs
who had nominated Gov. Crosby ; and the Free Soilers, who
again nominated Ezekiel Holmes. Temperance and slavery were
now the great political issues in the state and they proved a
troublesome combination. Mr. Pillsbury had a plurality of the
votes cast, but there was again no majority and the Legislature
repeated the act of electing Gov. Crosby. In Camden the vote
stood, Pillsbury, 286, Crosby 206, Morrill 95, Holmes 29.
Christopher Young, Jr., of Camden was one of the Senators elected
this year, and E. M. Wood was again elected Representative,
receiving 256 votes, his opponents being Obadiah Brown and A.
R. Hewett.
POLITICAL EBULLITIONS 303
This year Camden Village had quite an extensive fire. This
fire broke out on Nov. 7, about a half hour after midnight in a
shoe manufactory of J. C. Coombs located where the Fletcher
Building now stands at the Main street bridge, which was burned
to the ground despite the efforts of the engine company. The
flames then spread to the dry goods store of G. L. FoUansbee
located in the building owned by George Pendleton, standing on
the site of the northerly half of Masonic Temple. This building
and Mr. FoUansbee' s stock were principally consumed before the
flames were subdued. Mr. Coombs saved some of his stock and
had an insurance of |S00. Mr. FoUansbee also saved a portion
of his stock. He was insured for 13,000. The building occupied
by Coombs was owned by Mrs. L. H. Rawson, was valued at
$500 and insured for $300. The Pendleton building was valued
at $2,000 and was insured for $1,000. Mr. E. C. Daniels, mer-
chant tailor, was also located in this building. He was absent at
the time of the fire and lost almost his entire stock, which
was uninsured. The night was ealm, otherwise the conflagration
which took place that same month thirty-nine years later, might
have had its prototype on this occasion.
Mr. Ephraim Wood died Jan. 7, 1853, at the age of 79
years. He was born at Concord, Mass., and was the son of Hon.
Ephraim Wood, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Middle-
sex County. Mr. Wood came to Camden about the year 1795.
Being a clothier by trade he erected a mill on the site now occu-
pied by the Oakum Factory, where he carried on a most success-
ful business. He afterwards carried on the business in the brick
building now a part of the Anchor Works. Says Mr. Locke of
him: "Enjoying e. large degree of the confidence of his towns-
men, he was by them many times chosen Selectman, and
appointed on important town committees, and for two years repre-
sented the town in the State Legislature. The most prominent
traits in his character were his firmness of purpose, reliabiUty of
judgment, and integrity of mind. A consistent member of the
304 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Baptist church, he was foremost in supporting, by his means and
influence, its various institutions." ^ He was three times married
and had twelve children, four by each wife. He built as his first
residence the house now standing on Knowlton street just across
the river from the Qakum Factory and now used for the storage
of oakum. Here several of his children were born, among them
his son, the late Judge Ephraim M. Wood. Later he bought the
Oakes Perry house, the fine residence on Wood street, now
owned by the estate of the late Capt. Jessse H. Hosmer, where
he lived until the time of his death. Mr. Wood's children
by his first wife, Dorothy Pendleton, were Evelyn, (who
married William A. Norwood) Dorothy H. Clementina,
(who married John W. K. Norwood) and Elizabeth ; by
his second wife, Prudence Mirick, Ephraim M., who died
young, Ephraim M., (2) Sally M., Nathaniel M.; and by his
third wife, Mehitable B. Rogers, Thomas B. and Samuel S., both
of whom died young, Samuel S. (2) and Thomas B. (2.) The
latter is the only survivor of the family and lives in Boston.
Hon. Jonathan Thayer, one of Camden's most eminent citi-
zens, as well as one of the ablest lawyers of his time in the state,
died Sept. 20, 1853, at the age of 74 years and 8 months. Judge
Thayer was born in Milford, Mass., Jan. 25, 1779, and graduated
from Brown University in 1803. After completing his collegiate
course he taught an academy for two years in Rhode Island, and
then entered the law office of Nathaniel Sears, an eminent lawyer
of Providence, R. I. After pursuing his law studies there for
two years he went to Norton, Mass., and continued to read with
Hon. Laban Wheaton, another distinguished member of the legal
profession, with whom he remained one year, when he was admit-
ted to the bar at Taunton, Mass., and began his practice at
Dighton. After remaining there until 1811 he removed to Cam-
den, and took up his practice in this then comparatively
new country. In 1821 he married Sophia, youngest daughter of
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 215.
POLITICAL EBULLITIONS
305
Hon. Thomas Rice of Wiscasset. In 1825 he was elected a
member of the Executive Council and was re-elected for three
successive years, being upon the councils of Gov. Parris and Gov.
Lincoln, with both of whom he always maintained a warm friend-
ship. In 1831 he was appointed County Commissioner, but the
office not being congenial to his tastes, he resigned it and was
Jonathan Thayer.
the next year elected Senator. In 1840 he was appointed Judge
of Probate of Waldo County by Gov. Fairfield, the duties of which
office he performed for seven years with ability and to the entire
satisfaction of all doing business before his court. Judge Thayer
was a fine speaker, an effective debater, a gentleman of great
reading and nice discrimination. He was a close student and
imbibed the principles of the common law from its purest foun-
306 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
tain — from the works of eminent English authors. For many
years he had an extensive practice in Lincoln, Hancock,
and Waldo counties, and as counsel was often associated
with or pitted against gentlemen of much ability. His name
will be found in the reports of cases, either as opposing or asso-
ciate counsel, with Allen, Crosby, Samuel Fessenden, Greenleaf,
Longfellow, Orr, Ruggles, Wilson, Williamson, Wheeler, and
others. In 1830 the Reports show that he was either for plaintiff
or defendant in every case argued before the Supreme Court at
the Waldo bar. While Judge Thayer was in full practice, many
students-at-law sought the advantage of his office and instruction.
The following gentlemen availed themselved of his tuition : Thos.
Bartlett, Esq., Hon. Geo. M. Chase, afterwards consul at Lahania;
Waterman T. Hewett, Esq., Augustus C. Robbins, Esq., Col. E.
K. Smart, his son-in-law, and Hon. N. T. Talbot. For thirty-
four years Judge Thayer was a member of the Congregational
church, but although connected with a particular sect, he ever
manifested towards other denominations, great charity and tolera-
tion for their opinions. Judge Thayer was a prominent Mason
and notwithstanding his busy life, found time to devote to his
Lodge and for many years was its Treasurer. He was also one of
the " Immortal Nine," who brought Amity Lodge through the
dark days of Masonry and saw it re-organized and enjoying its
greatest prosperity. A week prior to his decease he arose very
early in the morning with a view of taking the steamer Daniel
Webster for Belfast. It being dark and rainy, he evidently mis-
took a platform in the shipyard for the sidewalk near the road,
from which he fell, sustaining injuries resulting in his death. ^
Judge Thayer's two daughters, Sarah and Rebecca K., both
married Hon. Ephraim K. Smart.
Hon. Maurice C. Blake, son of Dr. Blake, of Otisfield, grad-
1. This biographical sketch is principally based upon the biography of
Judge Thayer in Locke's Sketches, Page 228, which was condensed by Mr.
Locke from an obituary no: Ice written by Ool. Smart.
POLITICAL EBULLITIONS 307
uated from Bowdoin College in 1838, and afterwards studied law
in the office of Hon. Samuel Fessenden of Portland. Being
admitted to the bar he came to Camden about the year 1841 or '42,
and entered upon the practice of his profession. He was a Whig
in politics and in 1846 was elected by his party representative to
the Legislature. Under Pres. Taylor's administration he was
appointed Collector of the Belfast Customs District, which office
he held for four years. Believing that a wider sphere of action
would be more compatible with his tastes and ability, he went to
California in 1853, where he took up his residence in San Fran-
cisco, there continuing the practice of law, and soon becoming
identified with the interests of the city. He was a member of
the renowned Vigilance Committee " and principally through
the influence of that organization was elected a member of the
Legislature from San Francisco in 1857. The following year he
was elected by the "People's Party" Judge of San Fran-
cisco County, and took his seat upon the bench in 1858, at a
salary of $6,000 per annum. In 1881 Judge Blake was elected
mayor of San Francisco and was mentioned at the end of his term
for gubernatorial honors, but withdrew from the race, and forming
a partnership with his nephew, Maurice Blake, ■ continued the
practice of law. During the last half of his life he was a staunch
Republican in politics and was a delegate to the national conven-
tion in 1884. Throughout all hisUfe he maintained the reputation
for ability and integrity that he gained while a resident of Cam-
den. He never forgot the home of his early struggles and suc-
cesses, and in his last years often visited Camden. He never
married. He died in San Francisco, Sept. 26, 1897.
1854. This year the town began to have " March meet-
ings," holding the annual meeting in that month instead of
April. The annual meeting this year was held March 20, at
which E. G. S. Ingraham was chosen Town Clerk ; Thos. S.
Harback, Robert Harkness and Benj. Clough, Selectmen ; and
Hiram Bass, Treasurer.
308 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
The ferment and disintegration in the old political parties
continued this year and four gubernatorial candidates again ap-
peared to contest the election ; Anson P. Morrill, who united the
Anti-Slavery, Maine Law and "Know Nothing" issues; Albert
K. Parris, Democrat ; Isaac Reed, Whig ; and Shepard Carey,
" Wild Cat" Democrat. The elements that supported Mr. Mor-
rill united in the formation of the present Republican party,
and Mr. Morrill who was elected, was really the first RepubUcan
Governor of Maine. The result of the vote for Governor in Cam-
den was as follows : Morrill 333, Parris 137, Reed 66, Carey 20.
Christopher Young, Jr., was again a candidate for Senator, but
was defeated. In Camden he ran ahead of his ticket,
receiving 180 votes, while his opponent had 330. Hanson An-
drews was elected Representative by a large majority, having 401
votes to 144 for Obadiah Brown.
Prior to this election the American or Know Nothing party
suddenly showed a great development brought about by secret
organization, and on August 9 a Council of the Order was organ-
ized at Camden Village, which soon numbered some 240 mem-
bers. Shortly afterwards a Council was organized at Rockport,
numbering about 100 members and one at West Camden num^
bering about 30. In addition there were many outside of the
organization who sympathized with the movement. The acts
and movements of this secret organization were so guarded that a
year is said to have elapsed before even shrewd politicians were
1. Maine claims the honor of being tlip pioneer state in the movement
for the formation of tlie Reiuljlieaii pan y, as it was born and christened at
Strong, August 7, 1854.
2. This organization got its njime from tlie fact that its members, when
asked questions regarding its objects and real name, always answered " 1
don'tknow." Its watchword was ■•America for Amerlcais." It demanded
the repeal of the naturalization laws aid the law which permitted ither
than native Americans t" hold office. It rose with great rapidity and suc-
ceeded in electing many Governors, Congressmen, etc., throughout the
country and in 1856 elected presidential electors in the state of Maryland.
After that time it went to pieces as rapidly as it had arisen and in a short
time went out of existence altogether.
POLITICAL EBULLITIONS 309
aware of its existence, and the effect of its influence upon the old
political organizations in the state is well illustrated by the vote
of Camden above stated.
In the midst of these political ebullitions the business of the
town was in a most prosperoiis condition. Shipbuilding was then
the leading industry here and in 1854, in both villages, there
were ten vessels built, — three ships, five brigs and two schooners,
aggregating 4413 tons.
This year a telegraph ofHce was first established in town,
although the poles had been erected and the wires put through
the town in 1848. The first message was sent May 9, 18S4.
1855. Annual meeting March 19. Officers elected : E.
G. S. Ingraham, Town Clerk ; Jotham Shepard, J. W. K. Nor-
wood and Ezekiel Vinal, Selectmen ; and Hiram Bass, Treasurer.
The question of rebuilding the Goose River bridge at Rockport
came up at this meeting and it was voted " To build a new bridge
at Rockport if it can be built for Three Thousand Dollars & if no
one will build it for this sum specified above, voted to build two
abutments." It was also voted to expend one thousand dollars
on the bridge. This was the beginning of a somewhat long and
more or less heated controversy over the ' bridge question,"
which was not settled until 18S6, and after several typical Cam-
den town meetings.
The new Republican party began at once to assert
itself in Maine politics. The Democratic party was still
strong, its discordant elements having this year come together,
while the Whig party still continued to exist, though only as a
fragment of its former self. The Republicans nominated Gov.
Morrill, while the candidate of the Democrats was Judge Samuel
Wells, and of the Whigs, Isaac Reed. The latter party cast but
10,610 votes in the state this year. Gov. Morrill received a
plurahty, but not a majority of the votes cast, and Judge Wells
was elected by the Legislature. Camden gave a good
Republican majority, the vote being 425 for Morrill,
310 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
271 for Wells, and 46 for Reed. Hiram Bass of Cam-
den was one of the Republican candidates for Senator and
received here 433 votes to 304 for his opponent, but failed of
the election. Oilman S. Barrows was elected Representative,
having 425 votes, while his opponent, Hanson Gregory, had 319.
Daniel Andrews, an old settler of West Camden, died in
1855 at the age of 87 years. Mr. Andrews was born in New
Hampshire (probably in Concord) and came to Camden when a
young man. He married Olive, daughter of Wm. Gregory, and
settled upon the old farm .on the slope of Mt. Pleasant, now
owned by his grandson, Aaron A. Andrews. Mr. Andrews' chil-
dren were Experience, (who married a Mr. Mossman) Polly, (who
married Chas. Ulmer) James, Milly, (who married Hugh Thomp-
son) Daniel, William, Harriet, (who married Edward Nelson) and
Betsey, (who married Silas Walker.) His son, Daniel, died a
few years ago at West Rockport, aged about 99 years and 9
months.
William Simonton, Esq., son of James Simonton, Jr., for
many years a Justice of the Peace and prominent citizen of the
west part of the town, died Dec. 22, 1855, aged 67 years and 7
months. Mr. Simonton was a farmer, trader and Ume-bumer.
He married Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts Leland, widow of Reuben
Leland, by whom he had the nine following children : Eliza
A., (who married Robert White) Sarah G., (who married James
W. Clark) Margaret J., (who also married James W. Clark)
William P., Thaddeus R., Lavinia G., (who married Andrew
E. Clark) Theodore R., Frederick J. and Harriet A., (who mar-
ried George Burkett.)
A BRIDGE FIGHT 311
CHAPTER XXXVII.
A Bridge Fight.
1856. At the annual "March meeting" held on the
17th of the month, George W. Simonton was elected Town Clerk ;
Hiram Bass, Jotham Shepherd and Ezekiel Vinal, Selectmen;
and James Clark, Treasurer.
This might well be called a "bridge year," as the principal
business of the town was in relation to the building of bridges, both
at Camden village and at Rockport village. The principal trou-
ble, however, was over the Rockport bridge, which first came up
as we have seen in 1855. It is evident that the bridge question
was a source of much eloquence and logic, as well as of more or
less feeling and acrimony. No less than five meetings were
called to discuss it, and the arguments were warm and the votes
close. At the annual meeting the town first voted 12000 for
widening and rebuilding the bridge at Camden Harbor. It then
proceeded to raise $6000 by loan for re-building the " Goose
River" bridge.
At a meeting held April 26, the records have the following,
some portions of which have a more or less familiar sound :
" Under 10th Art. It was motioned by E. K. Smart, That the
Selectmen be instructed in accepting proposals to build Goose
River ' bridge, not to accept one for more than seven thousand
dollars. Joseph Andrews moved an amendment to raise to eight
thousand, and E. K. Smart accepted the amendment. The
312 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
amendment was declared, doubted and dotjbt earned, and then
it was Voted : The Selectmen be instructed to limit their expen-
ditures on Goose River bridge to seven thousand dollars. The
vote was doubted and the doubt was lost 69 to 60. The
moderator not being certain the count of hands was correct and
there being many calls for ' poll the house,' consented so to do.
The following is the result : In favor of limiting the Selectmen to
seven thousand dollars, as reported by the moderator to the
meeting, 73. Against limiting Selectmen as above, 75. It was
then said by many that the count was not correct, (some having
come in while counting, who were not counted, as declared by
the moderator, he not knowing they wished to be counted. ) It
was again demanded by many that lines be formed out of doors
for counting. The moderator then ordered ' Form lines out of
doors.' The order was obeyed and the result as follows : In
favor of limiting to seven thousand dollars, 85 ; Against limiting.
None, 00." ^
On May 27, another meeting was held at which it was voted
to " Reconsider the vote of the annual meeting m March last,
jvhereby the Town voted to build a bridge at Rockport " and
expend the money, or any part thereof (which was raised in
1855 for re-building bridge at Rockport) in repairs on said
Bridge as it now is." This action did not meet the approval of
all the citizens, so another meeting was called on June 7, at
which the Bridge and anti-Bridge factions were very equally
divided and both sides ready to fight. The contest was precip-
itated at the start over the election of a moderator which the
bridge advocates won by a very small margin. Tellers were then
appointed and then by a vote of 209 to 154, it was voted to build
abridge "with two fifty feet spans." This vote was also taken
by lining the voters up out of doors.
Another meeting was called on June 21 with an article in
the warrant to see if the town would vote " to reconsider the vote
1. Town Records, Vol. 3, Page 188.
A BBIDGE FIGHT 313
passed June 7, 1856 'to build a stone or wooden bridge at
Rockport,'" which article was ''passed over" (after again form-
ing the line out of doors) by a vote of 297 to 213. This ended
the bridge fight. The report of the committee on accounts the
following year shows the expense of new bridges to have been as
follows: Rockport bridge, $4,300. Camden Harbor bridge,
$1,167.32.
This year the Whig, Free Soil and Liberty parties consolidat-
ed with the new Republican party which became predominant in
Maine poUtics and, with the exception of two years, has remained
so to the present time. The old Whig party, however, nomina-
ted a candidate for Governor, the candidate being George
F. Patten. The Republican candidate was Hannibal Hamlin,
afterwards Vice-President of the United States, while the Demo-
crats again nominated Gov. Samuel Wells. Hamlin was elected
by a large majority. In Camden he received 484 votes to 249
for Wells and 38 for Patten. Seth L. Milhken, afterwards so prom-
inent in Maine politics, began his political career this year by being
elected Camden's Representative to the Legislature, receiving 481
votes to 284 for Caleb Thomas. Another Camden man, Hiram Bass,
was elected Judge of Probate at this election. In Camden his
vote was 494, while his opponent had"277. Elbridge E. Carle-
ton of Camden was one of the unsuccessful candidates for County
Commissioner, although he made a good showing in town.
Another band was organized this year, known as the " Camden
Brass Band," with the following members : Paul Stevens, leader ;
F. H. Thorndike, Samuel B. Kirk, Edwin R. Tyler, D. G. Mc-
Carthy, Henry B. Pierce, John C. Berry, Silas C. Thomas, George
Berry, Leroy B. Wetherbee, Carter Payson, Hollis M. Lamb,
Horatio P. Easton, Simeon C. Tyler, J. Clifford Eames. This
band becanie a fine musical organization and gained an enviable
reputation both at home and abroad. In 1858 the ladies of Cam-
den, as a token of appreciation of his musical talents, presented
to the leader, Mr. Stevens, a beautiful silver bugle. The organ-
314 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
ization continued for several years, but was broken up at the
beginning of the Civil War.
In September of this year a military company was organized
in Camden Harbor, called the "Camden Mountaineers," with
the following officers : W. A. Norwood, Captain ; A. E. Clark, 1st
Lieut.; Benj. C. Adams, 2d Lieut.; George Crabtree, 3d Lieut.;
Moses L. Parker, 4th Lieut.; Charles F. Hobbs, 1st Sergeant and
Clerk; P.P. Bryant, 2nd Sergeant; Eben Thorndike, Jr., 3d
Sergeant ; P. U- Stevens, 4th Sergeant ; Edwin C. Fletcher, 5th
Sergeant ; A. B. Wetherbee, 1st Corporal ; Sargeant Saitelle, 2d
Corporal; H. M. Lamb, 3d Corporal; A. R. Bachelder, 4th
Corporal. At about the same time a Rifle company was organ-
ized at West Camden, with the following officers : Hiram Fisk,
Captain; Geo. W. Simonton, 1st Lieut. ; A. M. Annis, 2d Lieut.;
Robert C. Thorndike, 1st Sergeant and Clerk. It had been
expected that the state would pass a law compensating citizen
soldiers for expenses incurred in maintaining military companies
Uke the ones organized here, but such a law failing' of passage,
both of these Camden companies disbanded March 31, 1858.
St. Paul's Lodge, No. 82, F. & A. M., was chartered at
Rockport by the Grand Lodge of Maine, May 2, 1856. The first
meeting of the Lodge under dispensation, was held Nov. 20,
1855, under the name of St. John's Lodge, but when the charter
was granted the name St. Paul's was inserted. The first officers
of the Lodge were Austin Sweetland, W. M.; Thomas B. Grose,
S. W.; Hosea B. Eaton, J. W.; Alex. Pascal, Treas.; P. J.
Carleton, Sec'y; Oliver Andrews, S. D.; Andrew M. Annis, J. D.;
John W. Buzzell, S. S.; Calvin H. Dailey, J. S.; Joshua G. Nor-
wood, Marshal ; John W. Stillman, Tyler. This Lodge was an
offshoot of Amity Lodge and has today a large and prospering
membership.
1857. Annual meeting March 16. Principal officers
elected : George W. Simonton, Town Clerk ; Hiram Bass, Abel
Merriam and John C. Cleveland, Selectmen ; James Clark,
A BRIDGE FIGHT 315
Treasurer.
This year, the first time for sixteen years, there were but two
parties in the field at the gubernatorial election. The old Whig
party and all the smaller parties that had been flourishing to a
greater or less degree, had disappeared, leaving the contest to the
Republicans, who nominated Lot M. Morrill, and the Democrats,
who nominated Manassah H. Smith. Mr. Morrill was elected by
a good majority. The campaign was an earnest one, as all cam-
paigns were at this period. The vote shows that Camden voters
were strongly arrayed upon the side of the Republican party. Mr.
Morrill received 319 votes and Mr. Smith, 202. Seth L. Milli-
ken was again elected Representative, the vote standing 309 for
Milliken and 182 for Samuel Chase. This being an "off year"
in which there was no presidential campaign to enthuse and bring
out the voters, the total vote of the town was considerably smaller
than the year before.
Tilson Gould, the founder of another old Camden family, died
this year on Jan. 14, at the age of 79 years. Mr. Gould came
from Pembroke, Mass., to Camden in early manhood, and in 1801
married Betsey Stinson, a native of this town. He was a master-
builder or as it would now be called, a contractor. Together with
Joseph Bowers, he drafted and built most of the buildings of the
early days of the town. To Mr. Gould and his wife were bom
the following eleven children: John, William, (who died in
infancy) Mary A., (who married Rev. Israel Hills) Lucy H.,
(who married Warren Rawson) Nancy S., (who married Josephus
Bump) Nathaniel T., Joseph H., Ephraim W., Benjamin C,
Amasa B. and Henry A. All of these children except Mrs. Hills,
passed their lives in Camden, Joseph moving to Rockport village
where he was engaged in the ice business as a member of the
firm of Talbot, Rust & Gould. He died April 26, 1893, leaving
one grandson, Mr. J. Tyleston Gould of Rockport. John owned
a farm on the road to the " Turnpike," now owned by his son,
Mr. J. W. R. Gould. He was a man greatly respected for his
316 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
sterling qualities. He died Oct. 1, 1859. Nathaniel carried on
a meat market for many years where G. T. Hodgman's clothing
store is now located. He died April 16, 1894. Benjamin was a
successful master mariner, who went on foreign voyages and for a
long time commanded the large ship, Juliette Trundy. He
died Oct. 4, 1886. Ephraim was a farmer, he died Oct. 26, 1889.
Amasa in early life started a small mill on what is known as the
Bailey brook, for the manufacture of ship plugs and wedges. He
soon moved to a privilege on Megunticook river, where the Cam-
den Woolen Go's factory is now located, and took for a partner
his brother, Henry, where the business was carried on more
extensively. Later, Amasa and Henry, with their two sons, were
engaged in the grain business. Henry died^ June 6, 1881.
Amasa, the last survivor of the family, died Nov. 8, 1903. Amasa
built the old Gould house that used to stand where the office of
the Camden Woolen Co. now stands. It was through his per-
sistent efforts that the Hope road or Washington street, now one
of the most important roads in town, was laid out some fifty years
ago. Amasa and his son, Eckart, and nephew, Willis, were
chiefly instrumental in the organization of the Camden Woolen
Co. The " Gould boys," as they were always called, were noted
for "keeping together." Benjamin and Ephraim were twins and
could be told apart by only those very well acquainted with them.
They married sisters and owned and occupied the large double
house on Mountain street and when both were in town they were
seldom seen apart.
Ephraim Barrett, who died Nov. 4, 185 7, at the age of
eighty-five years, was one of a small colony of young men who
came from Massachusetts to settle in Maine in the year 1796.
He was bom in Concord, Mass., August 22, 1772, the sixth son
of Col. Nathan and Meriam (Hunt) Barrett. His ancestors
occupied interesting and prominent places in Revolutionary his-
tory ; his grandfather, Col. James Barrett, having commanded the
Provincial troops in the Concord battle, and his father, holding a cap-
A BRIDGE FIGHT 317
tain's commission from George III, also participated in that battle.
Upon coming to Maine, Mr. Barrett at once took up large tracts
of land in Hope and Camden. The latter place having more
charms for him he decided to make it his residence and laid early
plans for a business career, which culminated in the establishment
of a tannery located on the site north of the brook which crosses
Chestnut street from Frye street. Improved methods of tanning
introduced in another part of the town some years later, super-
ceded Mr. Barrett's plant. He then turned his attention to the
manufacture of lime, and in company with his son, Willliam
George, built and operated two kilns, traces of which can now be
seen on Bay View street. It may be noted in this connection
that he was inspector of lime for this vicinity. Besides commer-
cial pursuits, he was largely engaged in agriculture. In Septem-
ber, 1806, Mr. Barrett married Louisa Wood of Groton, Mass.,
and soon after built the homestead on Chestnut street now occu-
pied by his heirs. To this union was born twelve children, viz.:
Lucy, Ephraim, who died in infancy ; Mary Elizabeth, (who
married Alexander J. Sweet) Emeline, (who married Ezra Mer-
riam) Caroline, (who married George W. Kimball) William George,
Harriet B., (who married William E. Lawrence) Charles H.,
Theresa, (who married George W. Thomdike) Susan A. H.,
(who married Austin N. Parkhurst) Sarah A., (who married
Thomas N. Hosmer) and Frank A., who married Agnes Berry,
daughter of Col. Nicholas C. Berry of Camden. The longevity
of this family is remarkable, five having lived past the age of four
score years. There are two survivors, Theresa B. Thomdike and
Susan A. H. Parkhurst. Mr. Barrett was not prominent in town
affairs in the sense of being an office-holder, but his councils
were sought and freely bestowed in everything pertaining to good
citizenship and morals ; he was a man endeared to the hearts of
his family and friends.
1858. This year at the annual meeting held March IS,
William Carleton was elected Town Clerk ; Hiram Bass, John C.
318 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Cleveland and Abel Merriam, Selectmen ; and James Clark,
Treasurer.
The old town house in which the town had for so many
years held all its meetings and election, had become out of repair,
inconvenient and inadequate, and this year the September elec-
tion was called at " Union Hall" in Rockport village, that being
the most central as well as, at that time, the most commodious
hall in town. There was no change this year in parties or can-
didates for Governor, Messrs. Morrill and Smith being again
nominated by their respective parties, the former being re-elected
by a slightly reduced majority. In Camden the vote was 408 for
Morrill, and 322 for Smith. At this election Seth L. Milliken of
Camden was elected Clerk of Courts for Waldo County, and
received in Camden 412 votes against 312 for his opponent.
While Camden gave a good Republican majority for all the
other candidates, for Representative to the Legislature there was a
vigorous contest, and the Democrats won. This was due as is
often the case, to a local issue. At this time the agitation which
resulted in the organization of the present Knox County out of
parts of Lincoln and Waldo, was at its height. The originator
of the movement was ex-Congressman Ephraim K. Smart, who
defined the region to be embraced within the limits of the pro-
posed new county, as being in the " Lime Rock Valley of Maine."
He purposed that Camden should be the county seat of the new
county, which, he argued, was the most central in its location of
any of the important towns within the territory comprising it.
Meetings were held and much interest aroused. Rockland
naturally opposed the claim of Camden and demanded that it, being
a larger, and as it claimed, in a more central locality, should be
selected as the shire town. It was beUeved and argued that Mr.
Smart with his great ability as a debater, his congressional and
former legislative experience and his influence and acquaintance
with the public men of the state, would better care for Camden's
interests in this particular matter, than anyone else who might be
A BRIDGE FIGHT 319
elected. On this issue Mr. Smart was elected, receiving 397
votes to 341 for David Talbot, tlie Republican candidate. Mr.
Smart, however, was not able to carry through his project while in
the Legislature, and Knox County was not bom at that session.
This year about Sept. 1, Jefferson Davis of Mississippi, then
a member of the United States Senate, with the presidential "bee
buzzing in his bonnet," made a tour through the North delivering
addresses and accepting serenades and receptions as a "knight
errant of the union." At a serenade given him in Portland he
surpassed the usual pledges of demagogues" and appeared as a
messenger to the North of peace and of love beyond all south-
em men of his day. * * * He loved the people around
him, not only as brothers, but he proposed to dedicate his infant
son to the Portlanders," saying that if in some future time war
should burst upon their city, he pledged that his son in that
perilous hour would stand by their sides in defense of their
hearthstones. On this tour of the North he visited Camden and
thence journeyed up the Penobscot. While here he was enter-
tained by Hon. E. K. Smart, who had been his colleague in Con-
gress where they had formed a strong friendship. Our older
people remember his visit here and say that he was dressed in the
typical southern style. As they looked upon him passing through
our streets they had no premonition of the important part this
able but misguided man was soon to play in the most tragic
events of our country's history. Two years later this apostle of
peace, love and good-will, disgruntled and disappointed in his
ambitions and eager to begin a new career, appeared upon the
national stage in the role of arch-traitor — trampling beneath his
feet the flag which he had but recently claimed to hope " would
forever fly as free as the breeze which enfolds it."
James Richards, Jr., at the great age of over 93 years, died
Dec. 24, 1858. He was the eldest son of James Richards and as
a boy came to the wilds of Camden with his parents. He inher-
ited much of his father's real estate and owned several water
320 HISTORY or CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
privileges on the Megunticook river, now owned by the Knox
Woolen Company, where he, for many years, owned and operated
a grist-mill. He built several houses, among them being the one
on Free street now owned and occupied -fey his grand-daughter,
Mrs. Willard C. Howe, (Caroline Richards), and the other house
on the same street owned by his grandson, Fred M. Richards, and
known as the "Scott House." Although exposed to many hard-
ships in his early life, Mr. Richards, by industry and untiring
effort, was successful in business, and enjoyed in his old age, all
the comforts of life. His private life was without reproach and he
was highly respected by the community in which he lived. He
married Mehitable Thorndike, the first white child born in
Camden, and they were the parents of thirteen children : Asa,
Patience, (who married Daniel Richards) Lois, (who married
Aaron Bisbee) James (3d), John, Eliza, (who married John G.
Simonton) Mehitable, (who married John Horton) Deborah,
Mary, (who married Nathaniel Crooker) Nancy, (who married
James Scott) George W., and two others who died in childhood.
William Russ died this year. He was the son of William
and Ann (Huston) Russ, was born in Damariscotta, Maine, Oct.
17, 1773, and married Elizabeth Rowell of So. Thomaston, Feb.
21, 1797. He lived in So. Thomaston until 1813, when he
came to Camden, purchasing from David Blodgett the farm near
Lake Hosmer, now owned by his grand-daughter, Mary E. Love-
joy. He was a caulker by trade and was a most benevolent man
and excellent citizen. His children were Daniel, Jane, (who
married Charles Butler) William, Jr., Ruth, Samuel B., Elizabeth,
R., (who married Abiel W. Lovejoy) Alexander C, Edwin M.,
Charles, Sarah E., (who married Alexander B. Herinton) Julia
E., (who married George F. Fling) and Mary L.
A LITTLE CLOUD 321
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
A Little Cloud Like a Man's Hand.
1859. Political and municipal events in Camden had for
many years been of a quiet and prosaic character. With the
exception of a few things like the Know Nothing movement, the
bridge contest, the agitation over the question of a new county,
an occasional sharp election, etc., little had taken place to arouse
excStement among our population, or move our people from the
'•' even tenor of their ways." A time was now approaching, how-
ever, that was to try men's souls, to change the prosaic to the
tragic, and quiet scenes of peace to tumultuous scenes of war,
bloodshed and death, such as this fair land had never witnessed
before, and, please God, may never see again.
This important year in our country's history opened quietly
and gave no sign of the awful and portentous future, which its
later days were to foretoken. The feverishness of the pubUc
mind, caused by the discussion of 'the slavery question, had been
allayed by the interposition of other issues, and the political
atmosphere was more than usually quiet. And so passed the
spring and summer of 1859. '
The people of Camden went on with their usual routine.
The annual town meeting was held on March 14. William Carle-
ton and James Clark were again elected respectively. Town Clerk
and Treasurer, and Ephraim M. Wood, A. S. Eells and John C.
Cleveland were elected Selectmen.
322 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
This year Mr. John L. Locke had completed and published
his excellent "Sketches of the History of Camden," and at the
annual meeting the town voted " To raise the sum of one hundred
and fifty dollars to purchase two hundred copies of Locke's His-
tory of Camden for distribution within the state, and that there be
a committee of three appointed to carry out the above vote ; and
that said committee be H. B. Eaton, G. W. Simonton and Edward
Cushing." At the same meeting it was also voted " To hold the
Town Meetings at Rockport in the future until the town otherwise
orders." It was also voted to sell the old town house at public
auction.
Gov. Morrill was again opposed this year by his former
opponent, Manassah H. Smith, and was re-elected by a largely
increased majority. The Camden vote for Governor stood, Mor-
rill, 353 ; Smith, 284. Samuel D. Carleton, Democrat, was
elected Representative, receiving 348 votes, while his opponent,
Jotham Shepherd, received 306.
The quiet that had pervaded political circles thus far during
this year, was but the calm that precedes the storm, and the peo-
ple of the nation who had thereby been lulled into a feeling of
false security and a belief that the ship of state had at last sailed
into peaceful waters, were startled on Oct. 17, by a thunder clapt
which came from a " little cloud like a man's hand," that ap-
peared above the Southern horizon. This cloud, which was to
develop into a war cloud " of the blackest hue, destined to
cast its awful shadows over the whole land for four years, was John
Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry. This famous raid aroused intense
excitement throughout the slave states and revived the slumber-
ing slavery agitation with the fiercest intensity. ^ In Camden as
elsewhere throughout the North, the people discussed with warmth
the raid and its probable results. Many citizens of Camden had
commercial relations with the South, as was the case with other
seaboard towns, and were pronounced in their sympathy with the
1. Lossing's History of the United States, Page 537.
A LITTLE CLOUD 323
southern states. There was also here a small body of abolition-
ists who were pronounced in their opinions and fearless in the
expression of them. These two types often clashed in the dis-
cussion of the political situation of that period and on one occa-
sion, at least, something more forcible than words was introduced
into a discussion between two representatives of these radical
elements. The great mass of our people, however, were more
conservative, were intensely loyal to the Union, and while they
viewed with sonow and alarm, the unhappy state of national affairs,
they prepared their minds to face the coming and "irrepressible
conflict."
The last day of the year 1859, saw the death of an old and
distinguished citizen of the town, namely, Joseph Hall. Hon.
Joseph Hall was bom in Methuen, Mass,, June 26, 1793. He
was a younger brother of Famham and Frye Hall, both of whom
preceded him in coming to Camden. His education was obtained
in the common schools and a few months at school in Andover,
Mass. He came to Camden in 1809 when sixteen years of age,
and was employed as a clerk until he attained his majority. In
1813 he was elected an officer in the militia, and served in the war
as ensign of an infantry company of the 1st Regiment, of which
Erastus Foote was then Colonel. He commanded a detachment
of thirty men, and supervised the erection of the parapets on
Jacobs' and Eaton's Points. Subsequently young Hall advanced
rapidly in military promotion, being chosen Captain of the Cam-
den Light Infantry, and soon afterwards elected Major, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel and Colonel. Mr. Hall married Mary Howe,
daughter of Nathan Howe, of Shrewsbury, Mass., and sister of Mrs.
John Eager. Mrs. Hall died in 1825, leaving six children, and
in 1827 he again married, his second wife being Eliza, daughter
of William Parkman, of Camden, by whom he had seven children.
In 1821, Col. Hall was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Lincoln
County, and in 1827, after the organization of Waldo County, he
was appointed Sheriff, being the first sheriff of the new county.
324
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
In 1830 he received the appointment of Postmaster at Camden,
and in 1833 was elected Representative to Congress. He was
re-elected in 1835 by an increased majority and thus was in
Washington during the closing years of President Jackson's excit-
ing admistration. Shortly after he retired from Congress, the
Postmaster, his brother-in-law, John Eager, died, and at the
Joseph Hall.
solicitation of his friends, he again accepted the appointment of
Postmaster here to fill the vacancy. In 1838, Col. Hall was
appointed Measurer in the Boston Custom House, which position
he retained until 1846, when his personal friend and associate in
Congress, President Polk, conferred upon him the office of Navy
Agent for the port of Boston without his solicitation or application.
A LITTLE CLOUD 325
He was removed from this office in 1849 for political reasons by
President Taylor, and in the fall of the same year was the Demo-
cratic candidate for Mayor of Boston. Although not successful
he received the full vote of his party, thus demonstrating the
esteem in which he was held in the New England metropolis,
notwithstanding his comparatively short residence there. The
following winter he purchased of Capt. William Norwood a farm
in Camden and returned here with his family. This farm is sit-
uated on "Melvin Heights" and is now owned by Henry L.
Payson. In 1857 he was offered the position of Weigher, Meas-
urer and Guager in the Boston Custom House, under President
Buchanan's administration, and returned once more to Boston
where he continued in the discharge of the duties of that office
until his death. Col. Hall, while engaged in the duties of a
Custom House official, was for some time associated with the
novelist, Nathaniel Hawthorne, with whom he maintained a strong
friendship, and a more or less voluminous correspondence during
the remainder of his life. Col. Hall was an enthusiastic and
prominent Mason. He was Master of Amity Lodge in 1826 and
1827, and was also for several years Secretary of the Lodge, and
he was a member of St. Paul's Royal Arch Chapter of Boston.
Perhaps no other citizen of Camden has filled so many offices of
public trust as the subject of this sketch, and he evinced an
ability commensurate to them all. He died at the age of 66
years. The following are his six children by his first wife : Mary
H., (who married Jonathan Huse) Harriet A., (who married Joshua
Norwood) Frederick F., Eugenia A. M., (who married Nathaniel
G. Parker) Stephen A. and William H.; and the following are his
seven children by his second wife : Joseph P., Sophia T., (who
married first, Chas. B. F. Adams and second, Wm. C. Murdock)
Ellen E., Susan T., (who married W. H. Hall) Kate W., David
H. and Gayton O.
Hon. Seth L. Milliken went to Belfast this year to enter upon
his duties as Clerk of Courts, and made that city his home during
326 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the remainder of his life. Mr. Milliken was bom in Montville,
Me., in 1837, and was the son of Wm. Milliken. His father went
to Texas when Seth was a small child, but in a short time returned
to Maine and later the family settled in Camden. At the age of
14 Seth left home to make his living, and through his own unaid-
ed efforts, obtained an education, graduating from Union College,
New York, in 1856, and that same fall was elected to the Maine
Legislature from Camden. After going to Belfast he was admitted
to the Bar and entered upon the practice of law. He early
became a campaign speaker for the Republican party, and was
throughout his after Ufe, always in great demand in that capacity
in every campaign. He was a delegate to the National Republi-
can Convention at Cinciimati in 1876, and a presidential elector
the same year. He was also a delegate to the National Republi-
can Convention at Chicago in 1884. He was elected to the
Forty-eighth Congress and was re-elected seven times. He
formed one of that famous quartet of Maine Congressmen — ^Reed,.
Dingley, Boutelle and MilUken — who, for so many years, made
Maine's influence in the national House such a predominating
one. Mr. Milliken's career in Congress is familiar to all, and his
reputation as a statesman was as broad as the nation. Mr. Milli-
ken married Miss Elizabeth Arnold, a native of Waterville, Me.,
Dec. 8, 1859. He died in Washington, D. C, April 18, 1897,
while still a member of Congress, leaving two children, Maud and
Seth M.
I860. During the session of the Legislature that opened
in January, 1860, the project for which Col. Smart had labored
so persistently in the preceding Legislature, viz.: the formation
of a new county by the name of Knox, ^ was carried through, but
1. The new Cotinty nf Knox was formed of tlif towns o£ Appleton, Cam-
den, Hope, North Haven and Vinalhaveii in the County of Waldo, and Cush-
ing, Friendship, South Thomaston, St. George Thomaslon, Union, Warren,
Washington, the City of Kockland and the plantations of Matinicus and
Mussel Eldge in the County of Lincoln. There has since heen no change in
the territory of the county, hut Hurricane Isle, originally a part of Vinal-
haven, was set off and incorporated as a separate town in 1878. Eockpoi-t
wasformedfrcim the division of Camden in 1891, and Crlehaven was set oft'
from Matinicus and organized as a separate plantation In 1897.
A LITTLE CLOUD 327
not with the Colonel's pet scheme to make Camden the shire town, for
that distinction was given to Rockland. Among the officers of
the new county appointed by the Governor, was Thaddeus R.
Simonton, Esq., of Camden, who was appointed County Attorney. '
The annual town meeting this year was held March 12. E.
T. G. Rawson was elected Town Clerk ; E. M. Wood, A. S.
Eells and J. C. Cleveland, Selectmen ; and James Clark, Treasurer.
The census of this year gave Camden 4588 population, a
considerable increase in ten years. The valuation of the town
this year was placed at $1,062,228.
This year there were two homicides in town. May 28, Geo.
H. Tighe and John E. Flint, two Rockland young men, got into
an altercation at Clark's Hotel when the former stabbed the latter.
Flint died of the wound. Later, Elbridge Cunningham was killed
by being cut with a knife in the hand of Ezekiel Bowley at Ingra-
ham's Comer. The deed was proved to be an accident
and Bowley was acquitted.
The political campaign of 1860 was one of the most stirring
and enthusiastic in the history of the country. The unsettled
state of national affairs, the threats of the South and the prospect
of a great conflict between two sections of the country, had
aroused the pubUc mind to an unwonted pitch. Public questions
were discussed eversrwhere, in the pulpit, on the platform, in the
comer grocery, on the street, , and wherever two or three men
gathered together. Four sets of candidates for President and
Vice-President were nominated. The Republican party nominated
Lincoln and Hamlin. The Democratic party split, and one fac-
tion nominated Douglass and Johnson, and the other, Breckin-
ridge and Lane, while a party known as the Union party, nominated
1. By a provision in the net incorporating tlie new County, the Judges of
Probate in Lincoln and "Waldo Counties w^re to continue to have their juris-
diction of the Knox County towns taken from their respective counties until
the end of the year; the Coroner in Knox County was to act as Sheriff for the
same period, and the remaining officers were to be appointed by the Gover-
nor tfj hold ofBceuntllJan. 1, 1861. The coroner acting as Sheriff was John
D. Rust of Rockport.
328 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Bell and Everett. In the North great political rallies were held
in every city and town, by the RepubUcans and Douglass Demo-
crats, the Republicans predominating. One feature of the cam-
paign was the marching clubs organized everywhere under the
name of " Wideawakes," and their presence became an essential
part of every Republican demonstration. The voice of the polit-
ical "spell binder" was heard in every city and hamlet, and even
the small school districts were flooded with patriotic oratory.
In Maine, Israel Washburn, Jr., was nominated for Governor
by the Republicans, while the Democratic standard bearer was a
citizen of Camden, Hon. Ephraim K. Smart. The Whig party
revived this year and for the last time in Maine nominated a
gubernatorial candidate, Phineas Barnes. One of the candidates
being a KJnox County man naturally added to the interest in this
section, and the new county became a seething political cauldron
and started upon its political career keyed up to a high pitch,
which, however, it has been able to pretty well sustain during its
forty-six years of existence. In August great rallies were held in
Rockport and Camden. The one held in Camden in the interest
of the Republican party was attended by an immense crowd, with
" Wideawakes " from Rockland, Thomaston, Bangor, Hampden,
Frankfort and Belfast. Speeches were made in the afternoon and
evening by Hon. John P. Hale, Hon. Lot M. Morrill, Governor,
Hon. Israel Washburn, candidate for Governor, Hon. Samuel C.
Fessenden, candidate for Congressman, and Thaddeus R. Simon-
ton, Esq. In the evening there was a torchlight parade of over
600 "Wideawakes."
The Democrats, too, held large meetings — mostly in the
open air, as most political meetings were held in those days. One
of these meetings in the interest of Douglass and Johnson, and
particularly of Col. Smart for Governor, was held in front of the
Congregational church, where a large crowd assembled to listen
to the orators and the Democratic campaign quartet, who sang
among other songs, the refrain then popular, ending with the
A LITTLE CLOUD 329
chorus :
" We'll take a start and go for Smart,
Because he's tlie best looking man-man-nian,
Because lie's the best looking man."
Mr. Douglass himself took part in the Maine campaign and
spoke in the larger places on Penobscot bay and river, but did
not visit Camden. A large crowd assembled at the boat wharf
here early one morning to see Mr. Douglass, when on his way
from Rockland to Bangor, and was rewarded by seeing the " Little
Giant," who lifted his hat in response to the acclamations of the
people, but did not speak.
In the election that followed, Mr. Washburn was elected by
a large majoiity and became Maine's first "war governor." Not-
withstanding that the Democratic candidate was a resident of
Camden, the town was strongly Republican, the vote standing as
follows : Washburn, 433 ; Smart, 366 ; Barnes, 10. Mr. Smart,
however, had the satisfaction of carrying the county, which he
did by about 125 majority. Thus Knox County started upon
its career by going Democratic, a thing it has done so often since
that day. At this election Camden elected as its Representative,
Ephraim M. Wood, who had 431 votes to 376 for his opponent,
Sidney A. Jones. The other Camden men who were candidates
at this election were Thaddeus R. Simonton for County Attorney,
and John D. Rust for Sheriff, Republicans, and Horatio Alden for
Judge of Probate, Democrat. The two former were defeated,
although they both ran well ahead of their ticket in Camden. Mr.
Simonton had 45 9 votes, and his opponent, John A. Meserve, of
Rockland, 349. Mr. Rust had 446 voteb, and his opponent,
Edward Hills, 351. Mr. Alden, who was elected the first Judge
of Probate for Knox County, received 364 votes, and his oppon-
ent, Beder Fales, 433. Thus Camden then proved to be a
strong factor in the politics of Knox County, as Camden and
Rockport are today.
At the Presidential election in November, Camden went
330 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
strongly for Lincoln and Hamlin, their electors receiving 411
votes, while the Democratic candidates received 171. Knox
County, too, went for Lincoln and Hamlin by nearly 600 majority.
The election returns from all the states showed that Abraham
Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin, had been elected President and
Vice-President of the United States, and on December 20, South
Carolina seceded from the Union.
Joseph Jones, a leading business man and citizen of the town
and head of one of the principal famiUes of the Camden village
of that day, died about this time at the age of about 62
years. Mr. Jones was born in Warren, Mass., Oct. 14, 1797,
but when he was three years of age his parents moved to St.
Albans, Vt., where his early life was passed. When about 21
years of age, in 1818, Mr. Jones came to Camden with hardly
any resources, except those of a resolute will and determined
heart, and entered the employ of Nathaniel Martin, who then
traded in the Hunt building. After remaining with Mr. Martin
for about three years, he went into business for himself. About
the year 1824, in company with Dr. Joseph Huse, he built the
Sherman building " as it was afterwards called, which stood on
Main street where Sylvester L. Aran's block now is, where he
traded for a number of years, and then, about the year 1833,
built the brick block now occupied by the J. W. Bowers Co.
Mr. Jones was pre-eminently a man of business, and was one of
the most enterprising men of his day in Camden. He had no
taste for public positions, and with the exception of being Adju-
tant of the Militia and President of Megunticook Bank, he held
no offices. In 1851, on account of ill health, Mr. Jones retired
from active business. He was a kind and benevolent man,
possessing a practical Christian character, practicing his acts of
benevolence without ostentation. Mr. Jones married Mary A.,
daughter of Nathan Brown, by whom he had nine children, viz.:
Elizabeth E., (who married John Rhynas) Nathaniel B., Joseph
H., Fannie L., (who married Charles B. Hazeltine) Sidney A.,
A UTTLE CLOUD 331
Mariana, Oscar R., Susan F., (who married Jose de Casanova)
and Sophia M. None of his family has Uved in town for many
years.
332 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XXXIX.
The Storm Bursts.
18(51. No one who did not live in those days can have an
adequate conception of the excitement that prevailed throughout
the country at the beginning of the year 1861. In January and
February, South Carolina's overt act of secession was followed by
six more of the southern states, and during the spring the four
remaining rebellious states also seceded. Lincoln was success-
fully inaugurated in March and on April 12 the storm of rebellion
burst upon the nation when the first gun of the greatest civil war
of modem times was fired by Beauregard upon Fort Sumpter in
Charleston harbor. Three days later President Lincoln issued his
proclamation calling out the miUtia of the country for three
months service to suppress the rising rebelUon, and on May 3
he issued another call for men, this time to serve ' ' during the
war." At once the whole north was astir. Legislatures were
convened, meetings were held, men and money were voted and
ofiered by loyal communities and citizens for the defense of the
Union, and during the weeks that followed, patriotism pervaded
the atmosphere, martial music filled the air and the tramp of
myriads of feet shook the earth as the brave boys marched in from
the villages and hillsides to the recruiting stations, and the regi-
ments marched away to the seat of war.
Maine was among the very foremost to act. The day after
the President's call, Gov. Washburn sent out a proclamation call-
THE STORM BURSTS 333
ing the Legislature to hold a special session on April 22, at which
an act was at once passed, providing for the raising of ten regi-
ments of volunteers and authorizing a loan of a million dollars.
No time was lost. The First Maine Regiment of infantry was
organized at Portland, April 28, and was mustered into the ser-
vice of the United States, May 3 ; the Second Regiment was
organized at Bangor, May 14, and mustered into the service
May 28; and the Third Regiment was organized at Augusta,
June 4, and left the following day for Washington.
In the meantime, this section was ablaze with the war enthu-
siasm. A recruiting ofHce was opened in Rockland on the last
Wednesday in April, and in a week four companies were filled
and a fifth immediately followed, resulting in the mustering in on
June IS of the gallant old Fourth Maine Regiment at Rockland.
The Regiment had encamped at Rockland on Mey 7, previous to
which, Hiram G. Berry had been elected Colonel. The name of
the encampment was " Camp Knox," a name that the regiment
took with it to the south. To this noble regiment Camden con-
tributed the following : Ivory W. Baird, Corporal ; Geo. L. Ames,
Fisher Ames, Geo. W. Anderson, H. D. Galderwood, WilHam J.
Collins, Hollis Famsworth, Geo. G. Gardiner, Alanson Gardiner,
Otis Heald, George F. Knowlton, F. M. Leach, Henry F. Leach,
J. S. Meservey, Samuel J. Needham, A. Mark Ober, John A.
Quinn, George Sheldon, Joseph A. Simmons, Joseph Trim.
On June 17 the regiment left for Portland on the steamer
Daniel Webster, en route for Washington. It marched to the
wharf bearing a large white banner upon which were inscribed the
words, "From the Home of Knox." At the wharf a large
concourse of people had assembled to bid the brave volunteers
a hearty " God speed," and there the scenes, so many times
afterwards enacted throughout the north, on the departure of
beloved sons, brothers and husbands to wax, were enacted for the
first time in Knox Connty. The Rockland Gazette three days later
had an eloquent editorial upon the departure' of the regiment.
334 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
closing as follows : " And so our brave volunteers have left us.
May the God of our fathers have them in His care, make them
true, patriot soldiers, return them again to their homes and loved
ones, and make those they leave behind ready, when duty calls,
to follow them in defense of our flag and country."
The regiment reached Washington, June 20, and later went
into camp near Alexandria, and on July 21 engaged in the dis-
astrous battle of Bull Run, where it lost 23 men killed, 3 officers
and 24 men wounded and 3 officers and 24 men missing. Very
few of the regiments on that fatal battle field suffered more fatal-
ities than the Fourth Maine, which was one of the last to leave
the field, retreating not in a panic, but in good order under its
own officers. No Camden soldier was killed in this battle, but
one, Jos. A. Simmons, was wounded. After the battle, the regi-
ment as a portion of Sedgwick's brigade, remained near Wash-
ington until the following March.
The twenty men contributed to the Fourth Maine Regiment
were not, by any means, a large part of Camden's contribution to
the country's defense. In all, Camden sent 468 men to the war, a
small army in themselves and a magnificent tribute paid to the cause
of union and liberty. But eighteen cities and towns in the state
furnished more men for the service than this town. But com-
paratively few of these men rose to high military rank. They
were mostly privates, of the fearless and tireless men who carried
the knapsack, the " men behind the guns," whose unswerving
devotion, magnificent valor, and intelUgent service, at last ham-
mered to death the tenacious spirit of slavery and rebellion. Life
is sweet to all men and especially dear to young men, as our
soldiers all were then, who are full of health and vigor, and are
looking forward to a long and happy existence in an irridescent
future. The bravest of us shrink from taking risks that may
result in the loss of our lives, and it is hard to realize what our
feelings would be should we be forced to face the cannon's
mouth. Yet the brave men who composed the grand volunteer
THE STORM BURSTS 335
\
regiments of the great rebellion, eagerly oflered their services in
defense of their native land. They did not know, it is true, those
who first marched away, through what awful scenes of carnage they
were to pass, but when the stern truth became evident, as it soon
did, that years of war and bloodshed must elapse before the
rebellion could be crushed, and the horrors of the war were rea-
lized by all, it did not deter those left at home from stepping
forth to the sacrifice when their turn came to enlist, and for four
years the heroes marched away, knowing that the fate of their dead
brothers who had gone before, was likely to be their own. Let
us not in the hurly-burly of today, forget that we cannot honor
too much the memory of these fallen heroes, nor the hoary heads
and bent forms of the remnant of those red-cheeked, beardless
boy soldiers of the civil war, that we still have with us.
Camden men also enlisted in other reginaents. When the
Seventh Maine Regiment left Augusta, Aug. 23, David B. " Hall
of Camden marched with it, and in the Eighth which left our
capital Sept. 10, were Michael Keirons,. Oliver Metcalf, Levi
Weed and John D. Rust, who held the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.
In the Thirteenth Regiment organized at Augusta in December,
we find the names of Richard Grinnell and William Barr of Cam-
den, and in the Fifteenth, organized at the same place during
the same month, were Lewis B. Briggs, Corporal, and Albert P.
Tolman of this town. Also in the First Maine Cavalry Regiment
organized at Augusta in November, were Franklin A. Oxton and
William L. Davis, Camden men.
Another large contribution made by Camden during the
first year of the war, was to the Second Battery of the First Maine
Regiment, Mounted Artillery, of which Davis Tillson of Rockland
was Lieut. -Colonel. This battery was organized at Augusta, Nov.
30, and the following Camden men were members : Wm. P. Simon-
ton, Orderly Sergeant, Wm. Russell, Artificer, Elbridge A. Annis,
Geo. E. Barnes, Leland Blackington, Cornelius Corharden, Samuel
J. Harding, E. G. S. Ingraham, Samuel E. Jones, Moses J. Keller,
336 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
James A. Lothrop, Hartwell Melvin, Joseph A. Melvin, Geo. C.
Miller, Wm. Orbeton, Wm. H. Ott, Augustus Peabody, Myron
Ray, Charles L. Fletcher, Thomas F. Simpson, Richard U. Thorn-
dike, Given B. Thorndike and Wm. H. Gregory, In the Fifth
Battery of this same Regiment, organized at Augusta, Dec. 5, was
Wm. J. Knight of Camden.
During the year while these Regiments were being raised,
flags were flying and war meetings were being held at Rockland
and in the surrounding towns. After the battle of Bull Run in
which a son of Knox County, Mr. S. H. Chapman, of Rockland,
was onex)f the first to fall, a monster union meeting was held at
Camden (Aug. 23) a large crowd coming up from Rockland to
attend. The arrival of the steamer from Rockland was greeted by
the firing of cannon and music by the Camden band, and the
visiting delegation was welcomed by a stirring patriotic speech by
Thaddeus R. Simonton, Esq., after which the meeting was held
near the Congregational church. Dr. J. A. Estabrook presided,
and ringing speeches were made by Maj. F. S. Nickerson of the
Fourth Maine Regiment, Hon. A. P. Gould of Thomaston, Hon.
N. A. Farwell, Davis Tillson and C. A. Miller of Rockland, D.
A. Boody of Rockport, and Hon. E. K. Smart and T. R. Simon-
ton, Esq., of Camden. Three days later a grand war meeting
was held in the square at Rockland, which was addressed, among
others by Mr. Boody, and Col. Smart.
At this time John D. Rust of Rockport was raising a com-
pany of Infantry for the Eighth Regiment, and was being assisted
in Camden village by Mr. Simonton. ^
In the midst of their excitement at the approach of civil
war, their consternation at the early disasters to the Union arms
and enthusiasm for the Union and its ultimate succcess, the citi-
zens of Camden did not neglect their home duties. The annual
town meeting was held March 18, at which Benj. J. Porter was
elected Town Clerk ; E. G. Knight, Wm. H. Washburn and
1. See Eastern Maine and the Rebellion. Chap. XXIII.
THE STORM BURSTS
337
Edwin S. Crandon, Selectmen; and Christopher Young, Jr.,
Treasurer.
On May 4 a town meeting was called to act upon the ques-
tion of raising money to assist those who should volunteer as
soldiers of the state and the United States, and to see what
further provisions the town would make " for the present exigency,"
Main Street, CamcCen Village, About 18(51.
when it was " Voted that the treasurer of the town of Camden
borrow three thousand dollars, on five years, as may be necessary
for the families of Volunteers of officers and soldiers of this town
of Camden, and to borrow the same as soon as a Company is
raised in this town and shall be mustered into the service of the
United States." It was also voted that "E. M. Wood, A. S.
338 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Eells and John C. Cleveland, Selectmen of last year, and E. G.
Knight, W. H. Washburn and E. S. Crandon, Selectmen of this
year," be a committee to have charge of paying out the money
when borrowed by the treasurer.
The political campaign of this year was naturally an exciting
one. The great mass of the voters of both parties were loyal to
the Union, but there were here, as in all parts of the North, a few
" States Rights " men who believed that the southern states had
a right to secede and should be allowed to withdraw from the
Union if they chose. As the war progressed, many who held this
belief afterwards became true patriots, but some adhered to this
principle throughout the war and continued to give their support
through the dark days of the war to those who sought to destroy
the Republic. These men were generally designated as "Cop-
perheads."
Gov. Washburn was re-nominated by the Repubhcans, while
the Democratic party was rent into two factions. One faction
known as the "War Democrats," nominated C. D. Jameson,
while the other faction nominated ex-Governor John W. Dana.
The " War Democrats" cast over two thousand more votes in the
state than the other wing of the party, but Gov. Washburn was
re-elected by a large majority over both of his opponents.
In Knox County the union sentiment was so strong that the
two political parties were, to a great degree, haimdinized, and a
Union party was formed by which the Hqn. E. K. Smart of Cam-
den, a prominent Democrat, and the Hon. N. A. Farwell of
Rockland, a prominent Republican, were nominated on the same
ticket for Senators, and both were triumphantly elected.
In Camden the vote for Governor resulted as follows : Wash-
bum, 398 ; Jameson, 274 ; Dana, 36. For Senators, Mr. Smart
received 392 votes ; Mr. Farwell, 474; while their opponents,
Edwin Smith and Alvin Dunton, received 292 and 190 respective-
ly. D. H. Bisbee was elected Representative, receiving 456
votes to 272 for Christopher Young, Jr.
A NAVAL HERO 339
CHAPTER XL.
■ A Naval Hero.
18(ol. During the first year of the war Camden's patriotism
was not wholly confined to its soldiers, for the Camden , sailors
were equally patriotic and one of them performed an act that will
make his name immortal. William Conway, son of Richard,
when a youth entered the United States navy and served therein
for a period of forty-five years. He served under Commodore
Hull when a young man. Later he was promoted to the rank of
gunner and afterwards to that of quartermaster and with that rank
he was stationed at the Pensacola navy yard in January, 186L
Traitors high in power were conspiring to surrender the navy
yard to the nation's enemy. Commodore Armstrong, who was in
command of the navy yard, was an old and infirm man, a veteran
of the war of 1812. He was betrayed and bullied into surrender-
ing the navy yard by the traitorous Commander Farrand and
Lieutenant Renshaw, the former of New Jersey and the latter of
Pennsylvania. Farrand, who was executive officer of the yard,
was in constant communication with the secessionists at Pensa-
cola nine miles above, and had arranged to surrender to the rebel
force of Victor M. Randolph when he should appear to demand
the same. Whatever orders Armstrong gave for the protection of
the yard were countermanded without his knowledge by Farrand,
who directed all the details of the surrender. When the rebel
force appeared, Lieut. Renshaw ordered Quartermaster Conway to
340 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the flagstaff, which order he obeyed. He was then ordered to
haul down the flag in capitulation, that the Confederate flag might
be raised in its place. This was too much for the unswerving
patriotism of the Camden sailor. Not even the long fastened
habit of unquestioning obedience to the commands of his supe-
rior officers, fixed by many long years of naval service, caused
him to forget for a moment his loyalty to his country and love
for the old flag under which he had served. Peremptorily refus-
ing to execute the dastardly order, he turned away from the
halliards of the flagstaff and said : "I won't do it, sir; that is
the flag of my country ; I have served under it many years ; I
won't dishonor it now." ^ Renshaw was then obliged to do the
traitorous work with his own hands, while Farrand ordered the
punishment of the loyal old salt for his fidehty to the flag.
In appreciation of this patriotic protest of our gallant sailor-
townsman against the desecration of " Old Glory," a gold
medal, bearing an appropriate inscription in his honor, was pre-
sented to Mr. Conway by the New England citizens residing in
San Francisco, through Commander Sherbrooke, in the presence
of a naval parade on board a warship. Following is the letter
accompanying the medal :
San Francisco, September 20, 1861.
Dear Sir : — The undersigned citizens of California from
New England have read with pride and gratification, the story of
your brave and patriotic refusal to haul down the flag of our
country. As a mark of our appreciation of your conduct, we
request you to accept the accompanying medal of California gold,
together with our best wishes for your prosperity and happiness.
f. w. brooks, w. t. reynolds,
Henry L. Dodge, henry F. Teschemascher,
F. A. Fabent George a. Brooks,
H. F. Cutler George H. Faulkner,
[And 140 others.]
Mr. William Conway,
Quartermaster U. S. Navy.
1. See Naval Aolions and History, 1799-1898, Vol. 12, Page 90.
A NAVAL HERO 341
A few weeks later Flag Officer William W. McKean received
at Key West the following letter from the secretary of the navy :
NAVY Department, November 11, 1861.
Sir : — I herewith transmit a letter from the Department to
William Conway, who is on board one of the vessels of your
squadron, together with a gold medal presented to him by his
countrymen in California as a testimonial of their
appreciation of his conduct in refusing to haul down the flag of
his country at the surrender of the Navy Yard at Pensacola to the
rebels on the 10th of January, 1861.
A copy of the letter addressed to William Conway' by the
citizens who presented the medal, and of the letter of Major-
General Halleck, the bearer of it to the Department, are also
transmitted.
You will be pleased to have the medal handed to William
Conway on the quarter-deck of the vessel to which he belongs,
and in the presence of the officers and crew thereof and the
correspondence read at the same time.
I am respectfully, your obedient servant,
GroEON WELLES.
Flag Officer William McKean,
Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, Fla.
The letter from the Department to Mr. Conway transmitted
at this time is as follows :
Navy Department, November 11, 1861.
" Sir : — It gives me pleasure to cause to be delivered to you
the accompanying letter and gold medal from your countrymen
in California, presented as a testimonial of their high appreciation
of your noble and patriotic conduct in refusing to haul down the
flag of your country when others (your superiors in position) were
wanting in fidelity to it. I also forward to you a copy of the
letter of Major-General Halleck, who was selected as the bearer
of these testimonials, and by his request I have directed them to
be transmitted to you, which you will please accept with the
assurance of my regards.
Very respectfully,
Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy.
William Conway,
U. S. Gulf Blockading Squadron.
342 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
A naval general court martial consisting of a full complement
of officers of the highest rank in the service was convened for the
trial of Armstrong on charges growing out of the surrender of the
navy yard, and before the court separated, the members of it
addressed a communication to the Navy Department as follows :
WASHINGTON, D. C, April 8, 1861.
The president and members and judge advocate of the
court lately held in the City of Washington, D. C, for the trial of
Commodore Armstrong, beg leave respectfully to submit to the
honorable Secretary of the Navy, the propriety, justice and good
policy of bestowing some appropriate mark of its approbation of
the loyalty, spirit, and good conduct of William Conway, a quar-
termaster of the Navy, on duty in the Navy Yard at Warrington,
Fla., when the same was surrendered on the 12th of January,
1861, who, with manly pride and in a spirit of patriotic devotion,
refused to obey the order to haul down the national flag on the
occasion of said surrender.
The evidence of this honorable devotion to the dignity and
credit of the flag of his country is found in the record of the
testimony in Commodore Armstrong's case.
Respectfully submitted by order of the court.
A. B. Magruder,
Judge-Advocate.
In response to this communication the Navy Department
promulgated the following general order : '
It appears from the testimony taken in Captain Armstrong's
case that William Conway, an aged seaman, doing duty as quarter-
master in the Warrington (Pensacola) Navy Yard at the time of
the surrender, when ordered by Lieut. F. B. Renshaw to haul
down the national flag, promptly and indignantly refused to obey-
the order.
The love and reverence thus impulsively exhibited for his
country's flag in the hour of its peril is not the less worthy of
being called noble and chivalric because displayed by one in an
humble station. It is the more deserving of commemoration, for
subordinates in the service are not usually expected to set exam-
ples of patriotism and fidelity, but to follow them.
The Department deems it no more than strict justice to
William Conway that this' testimonial from the court in his behalf
A NAVAL HERO 343
should be made known throughout the service. It is, therefore,
directed that this general order be publicly read as early as prac-
ticable after its receipt by the commanders of all naval stations
and all vessels in the navy in commission, in the presence of the
officers and men under their command.
Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy. ^
Mr. Conway died in the Naval Hospital at Brooklyn Navy
Yard, Nov. 30, 1865, at the age of about 60 years. It is said
that he was buried with naval honors, followed to his grave by
four commodores of the United States Navy. Time, however,
has blotted out the memory of his burial place, and even his
heroic action was for a time almost forgotten. But there
are deeds that cannot die, and William Conway's noble act shines
today with renewed luster, and he will ever be remembered as one
of the bravest of our many humble heroes. ^
Wherever their resting places may be, for such as he,
" Soft sigh tlie winds of heaven o'er their grave,
"Wliile the billow mournful rolls,
And the mermaids' song condoles,
Singing glory to the souls
Of the brave!"
In this year's annals we record the death of Cornelius Thomas
who died Jan. 21, Royal Munroe who died June 5, and Job
Ingraham who died Dec. 17.
Cornelius Thomas was a native of Camden and was 66 years
of age at the time of his death. He was the son of Jesse Thomas
one of the early settlers of Camden, who came here from Friend-
ship and settled the Isaac Pendleton farm now owned by Mrs.
Harriet B. Borland and others. Capt. Pendleton had settled the
Joseph B. Crane farm on the Hope road and shortly afterwards
Pendleton and Jesse Thomas exchanged farms and the latter
made his home on the Crane place during the remainder of his
1. For the foregoing lettt-rs, order, etc., see Official Records of Union and
Confederate Navies on the War of the Rebellion. Series I, Vol. 4, Pages55-57.
2. Mr. Conway died with the rank of Boatswain, having been promoted to
that position after the episode at Pensaoola.
344 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
life. Cornelius Thomas was a faimer by occupation and was an
intelligent and active man. He was greatly interested in town
affairs and served his town as Town Clerk, Selectman and in other
positions and was a candidate for Representative to the Legisla-
ture. He married Lydia Mclntire of Frankfort, by whom he had
the following eight children : Albert, Sarah J., (who married
Thomas Kirk), Alexander M., Ellen E., (who married Z. A.
Taylor), C. Woodbury, Emma, (who married E. F. Bartlett),
Susan and Hannah.
Royal Munroe came from Hanover, Mass., to Camden about
the year 1800. He was a joiner by trade, and lived in the house
on Elm street now occupied by Mrs. Marion Paine. About the
year 1820 he moved to Lincolnville. He married Frances Hig-
gins and had seven children, William, Ezekiel D., Thomas,
Henry, Joseph, Albert and Rebecca, He is the ancestor of the
Munroes of this section of the state.
Job Ingraham was the son of Job Ingraham, one of three
brothers who came from Scotland and settled at Ingraham's Hill,
South Thomaston, these three brothers being the ancestors of the
Knox County Ingrahams. The Camden and Rockport people of
that name are principally descendants of the first Job. The
subject of this sketch was bom about the year 1795 and when a
young man came into the western part of Camden and finally
settled at West Camden, where he traded for a number of years,
and in addition carried on a farm, burned lime, etc. From, him
that part of the town is to this day known as " Ingraham's Cor-
ner." In 1839 he moved to Rockport village where he burned
lime, surveyed land, and canied on a blacksmith business. His
name appears frequently on the town records and he was an
active and valuable citizen. He was twice married, his first wife
being a Miss Crandon of Cape Cod, by whom he had one son,
Otis. For his second wife he married Nancy Young of Matinicus,
by whom he had nine children, one of whom died in childhood.
The others are as follows : Rufus, Margaret (who married Jotham
A NAVAL HERO 345
Shepherd) Joseph, Royal, Benjamin, Nancy, (who married Eben
H. Loring) Job W., Henry J. and A.mariah K.
346 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XLI.
THE Conflict Deepens.
18(52. The civil war was now being waged in dead earn-
est. The original idea that the southern uprising could be
crushed in a few weeks, had been abandoned, and the notion
that first obtained among the volunteers that their trip to the
south was to be in the nature of a pleasure excursion, had
changed to a knowledge of the grim fact that they were going to
face the best soldiers and the most determined and desperate
resistance that the world had ever known. With a clear percep-
tion of what must now be done to preserve the union, the public
mind had settled down to the conviction that years would be
necessary to subdue the south, and to the determination to continue
the conflict at whatever cost, that the free institutions established
by our forefathers might be maintained, and the blot of slavery
be removed from the nation's escutcheon.
Maine had already raised fifteen regiments of infantry, one
of cavahy and six batteries of mounted artillery, but many disas-
ters to the union army already in the field made more troops
necessary and requisitions were made upon the state which in the
spring and summer of 1862 resulted in the Sixteenth, Seventeenth,
Eighteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth Regiments being raised.
Volunteering was prompt and these regiments were filled very
quickly, but before the organizations were completed, the President
on the 4th of August, called for 300,000 militia to be 'raised for
THE CONFLICT DEEPENS 347
nine months service. ^ This call was followed by the organiza-
tion of eight more regiments composed exclusively of volunteers,
notwithstanding the call of the President authorized the 300,000
men to be raised by draft. ^ Camden furnished its quota for
these regiments as we shall see, while other citizens' of the town
joined some of the old regiments. Eli McCusick joined the
Fourth Regiment this year, but died in July. Ellis B. Fuller
joined the Eighth, Alonzo H. Cleveland the Ninth, Abiezer
Veazie, Jr., the First Cavalry; Monill J. Meservey and Warren
Ott, the Second Battery, and when the Sixth Battery was organ-
ized it was joined by Samuel F. Dunton, Wm. C. Arey, Leroy
Jackson, Moses H. Richards, Thomas W. Thorndike and James
Walden-of Camden.
Camden's quota for the Nineteenth Regiment was recruited
by Gershom F. Burgess at Rockport, and on July 31 a great
meeting was held in that village to encourage the soldiers who
had enlisted. A large delegation from Camden village, accom*
panied by the Camden Band, attended and eloquent and patriotic
speeches were made by T. R. Simonton, Wm. H. Washburn,
David Talbot, H. B. Eaton, Geo. Estabrook, N. T. Talbot, Dr.
Haven, P. J. Carleton, Jos. Andrews, Geo. R. Palmer and G. F.
Burgess. The soldiers then left for Bath which was the rendez-
vous of the regiment.
Heroism did not die with the Spartan mother, who said to
her son when he departed for the wars, " With thy shield, my
son, or upon it," for the same spirit dwelt in the hearts of our
northern women during the days of the civil war. Inspired by a
nobler sentiment than influenced the Greek mother, thousands of
American mothers and wives freely laid upon the altar of their
country, the greatest sacrifice that could be offered. On the
occasion of the recruiting in Camden for the Nineteenth Regi-
ment a grand and touching incident occuned when Mrs. Thorn-
1. Vamey's Brief History of Maine.
2. Adjutant General's Report, 1862.
348 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
dike, widow of Robert Thomdike, came to the recruiting office
and enlisted the son of her old age, the youth to whom she had
fondly looked to smooth the path of her declining years and guide
her aged feet to the end of life's journey, saying that she wished
she had ten sons to give to her country. ^
The readiness with which the boys enliste^i is shown by the
following incident: Capt. Edwin Anderson who had been in
Massachusetts, came home on a visit at about this time and going
into James Seward's store found eight of his schoolmates discuss-
ing the question of enlisting. As he stepped in they all spoke
up, saying, " There, I will go ii Ned will go." "Go where?"
asked Anderson. " Over to Rockport and enlist for the war,"
was the reply. " All right," said Anderson, "let us go.'-' The
nine brave fellows at once went to the neighboring village and
signed the roll, and in a few days were on their way to Bath.
The Camden men who were thus attached to the Nineteenth
Regiment, the most of whom belonged to Company I, according
to the Adjutant-General's report for that year, were Lieut., Gershom
F. Burgess ; Carter T. Payson, Fife Major ; Geo. R. Palmer, Ser-
geant ; Geo. E. Sherwood, Albion K. Hewett and Peley Wiley,
Corporals ; Edwin Anderson, L. P. Bachelder, Orin P. Benner,
Harrison B. Bowley, John F. Carey, Robert H. Carey, James S.
Cleveland, George S. Cobb, George N. Famham, Franklin Fisk,
Micah Flagg, Llewellyn Hanson, Calvin Hemingway, John S.
Higgins, Harvey C. Joice, Daniel G. Lamb, Alexander Ludwig,
Leander S. Mariner, George L. Ogier, Amos B. Oxton, George
W. Shepherd, Rufus Shibles, 2d, Wm. H. Shibles, Wm. H. H.
Simonton, George Studley, John F. Sumner, Warren B. Thom-
dike, David Tolman, Joseph W. Wilson, A. L. Witherspoon; and
Edwin B. Sheldon who joined Company E.
This regiment arrived at Washington, August 29, and was
assigned to garrisoning Forts Baker, Davis, Dupont, and Mahan
3. Anothei- Thomdike f amily— that of Larkin Thorndllce of West Cam-
den, sent four of its sons to the war, two of whom gave their lives for their
country.
THE CONFLICT DEEPENS 349
on the Virginia side of the Potomac, where Leander S. Mariner
was killed, Sept. 27. Shortly after this the regiment was attached
to Howard's Division and during that autumn its members were
several times under fire, behaving in the most gallant manner, so
that they-were warmly thanked and complimented by Gen. How-
ard who told them that " they reflected honor upon their native
state."
When the Twentieth Regiment was organized at Portland it
was joined by the following Camden men : Ephraim L. Sherman,
assigned to Company H, and John D. Leach, Sergeant, Aaron M.
Andrews, Alward Andrews, Daniel J. Andrews, Findley B. Libbey
and Hosea B. Thomdike assigned to Company I. This reginient
arrived at Washington, Sept. 7, where it went into camp. A
few days later it was marched to the field of active operations in
Maryland and attached to Porter's Division. The regiment was
under fire for the first time at Fredericksburg. In this terrific
battle the men of the Twentieth were under the hottest fire
for thirty-six hours and raw recruits though they were, they fal-
tered not. For their gallant conduct they received the highest
praise from the brigade commanders.
The largest number of Camden men in any one regiment
was in the Twenty-sixth which was organized at Bangor. The
Camden company in this regiment was Company F, which was
commanded by Capt. Andrew E. Clark of Camden. The other
Camden officers and men in the company were as follows : Wm.
F. Brown, and Wm. E. Norwood, Lieutenants ; Frank Milliken,
Com. Sergeant ; Joseph W. Coombs, John S. Fuller, HoUis M.
Lamb, Dennis G. McCarthy and N. Byron Milliken, Sergeants ;
Hezekiah H. Buzzell, Wm. S. Codman, Henry Ewell, Jr., Castle-
brook Sumner, Ephraim C. Long, Wm. F. Horton, Benjamin J,
Simmons and Horatio P. Eaton, Corporals ; Frederick J. Currier,
Samuel Annis, Samuel Ayers, Cephas S. Ball, Benjamin 0. Bar-
rows, Gilman S. Barrows, Minot N. Barnes, Edward S. Blake,
Wm. E. Clough, Sumner T. Conant, Sylvanus C. Crockett, Isaac
3S0 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Clough, Henry A. Cross, Edward Eaton, Francis French, John
H. Gardiner, Wilford B. Glover, Seth Heal, Chas. H. Hemingway.
Nathan B. Hopkins, Edward J. Hopkins, Elbridge G. Hopkins,
Philip A. Horton, George F. Hosmer, John S. Keller, Joseph
Z. Keller, Stephen Michaels, Alfred Miller, James Morton, Joseph
Morton, Levi Morton, Charles I. H. Ness, James Nutt, Wm. H.
Ott, Joseph A. Oxton, John W. Oxton, Samuel E. Packard,
Nath'l E. Pendleton, Geo. Prince, Ephraim Reynolds, Philander
F. Richards, Osborn Rokes, Cyrus E. Sherman, Rufus Shibles,
Geo. A. Simmons, Franklin L. Start, George E. Thorndike, John
■ C. Thorndike, Isaiah Tolman, Simeon C, Tyler, Frederick M.
Veazie, Edward H. Walden, Joseph B. Wentworth, Daniel
Wentworth, Alexander B. Witherspooon and Richard H. Young.
This regiment left Bangor, Oct. 23 for Newport News where
it sailed Dec. 2 in the ships Matanzas and Pocahontas for New
Orleans, where it encamped five miles below the city during the
remainder of the year.
From the Adjutant-General's report we gather that the fol-
lowing Camden men served in regiments of other states up to the
year 1862, inclusive : Prince A. Dunton, David Loveland, Fred-
erick Walker, Woodbury Thompson, Massachusetts ; Webster
Thorndike, California; F. A. Wyman, Dennis Andrews, Rhode
Island ; Wm. P. Flye, Frederick Herrick, Charles Miller, U. S.
Army.
From the same source we learn that the following Camden
men served in the United States Navy- during the first two years
of the war, viz : Joseph Ames, Alexander Annis, Robert H.
Chase, William Conway, Alexander Green, Sam'l Hanson, Sam'l
Hopkins, Franklin Josselyn, John F. Porter, Robert, Trim, Joseph
Crane, Lemuel Crane, Edwin H. Hartford, George Lane, James
Magoun, Wm. H. Merrithew, Thurston Spear, George May.
In the meantime the Camden soldiers who had joined the
earlier regiments and batteries, had been seeing some hard and
perilous service. The Fourth Regiment, which formed part of
THE CONFLICT DEEPENS 351
Heintzelman's Division, was encamped near Fort Lyon until
March 17, when it broke camp and marched towards Yorktown
under Col. Walker, who had been promoted to that office on the
appointment of Col. Hiram G. Berry to Major General. On the
evacuation of Yorktown by the rebels, the regiment advanced
towards Williamsburg and thence from point to point until March
31, when it engaged in the battle of Seven Pines, doing good
service. After the battle the regiment remained encamped in
the vicinity, being employed in picketing and on work of fortifica-
tions until June 25, when it engaged in another battle near Seven
Pines, holding a most difficult position, in face of the rebel force
through the night. On June 28 the regiment held back the rebel
force for two hours at Jordan Ford until our force had passed.
After engaging in several skirmishes and battles it was employed
to support the artillery at Malvem Hill on July 1. In August
the regiment found itself on the Rappahannock and on the 29th
and 30th engaged the enemy again on the fatal field of Bull Run.
It held its ground nobly, but in the end was obliged to withdraw
with the rest of the union army which it did, as in the first battle
on that field, in good order. From that time during the remain-
der of the year, the regiment fought and kept almost continually
on the move until December 13, when it engaged in the san-
guinary battle of Fredericksburg, fighting bravely and receiving
the compliments of Gen. Berry for the admirable conduct of both
officers and men. Through all these hardships and dangers, with
few exceptions, the Camden men safely passed, two men, F. M.
Leach and J. A. Simmons being reported missing.
David B. Hall, the only Camden man in the Seventh Regi-
ment, died during the year at Newport News.
The Eighth Regiment now found itself under the command
of Col. John D. Rust of Camden, Col. Rust having been promoted
on the resignation of Col. Strickland, while the regiment was at
Port Royal, S. C, where it was engaged during the early part of
the year in throwing up breastworks, repairing vessels, etc. After-
352 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
waids the regiment bore an important part in the bombardment
of Fort Pulaski, and when the fort surrendered, Gen. Benham, as
a compUment to the gallantry and superior behavior of the Eighth,
ordered its colors to be the first raised upon the fort. During the
remainder of the year the regiment was used to guard plantations
from rebel incursions, and to do advance picket duty. In the
last part of the year it was stationed at Beaufort, S. C, Col. Rust
commanding the post and acting, as Brigadier General.
The Second Battery of mounted artillery also saw hard ser-
vice. During its campaign in Virginia its history is much the
same as that of the Fourth Regiment. It participated in the
battles of Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station,
Thoroughfare Gap, Bull Run, Chantilly and Fredericksburg,
besides sundry skirmishes. In the meantime, Capt. Davis Till-
son Was promoted to Major of Artillery, and Lieut. James A.
Hall of Damariscotta succeeded him as captain of the Battery
which was afterwards frequently known as "Hall's Battery." The
Battery gained, in the engagements of the year, a brilliant repu-
tation for promptness, discipline and courage which it sustained
during its entire term of service.
The Sixth Battery served during the year in Maryland and
was one of the coolest, bravest and most efficient organizations in
the field. At the battle of Cedar Mountain on Aug. 9, the bat-
tery held an important position and was the last troop to leave
that bloody field. It lost four men killed, and nine
wounded. Among the killed at Cedar Mountain was Wm,
C. Arey of Camden. Again at Bull Run the Sixth Battery was
the last to leave the field during the retreat.
Thus the second year of the great conflict passed away and
while our army had suffered many reverses the end of the year
did not leave the north discouraged. While cast down at the
great sacrifice of blood that must be offered, the people at home
were buoyed up by the magnificent valor displayed by the green
troops they had sent forth. Among other communities the peo-
THE CONFLICT DEEPENS 353
pie of Camden felt that they had every reason to be proud of the
deeds of their citizen soldiers and to believe that their names
shall
" stand the example of each distant age,
And add new lustre to the historic page.*'
354 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XLII.
AFFAIRS AT HOME.
18(o2. While their sons and brothers were fighting brave-
ly in the south the men remaining at home were as bravely en-
deavoring to carry forward their own work and that of those who
had gone to the front.
It was just as necessary as ever to till the farms, keep the
mills and shops running, and perform all the other many duties
of citizens and bread winners and while many went about their
work with hearts heavy with grief and apprehension for their
absent friends and threatened country, they continued to ply their
various vocations with the hope that the war clouds might soon
be lifted, and the sun of peace again illuminate a reunited and
undivided land.
The business of the town also went on as usual, and in
addition to the ordinary routine the voters were called to consider
important questions in connection with the war, and the care and
support of the families of those who were fighting in the south.
At the annual town meeting held March 17, B. J. Porter
was elected Town Clerk : J. H. Curtis, Wm. H. Washburn and
Otis Ingraham, Selectmen: and Christopher Young, Jr., Treasurer.
It was voted ' That the bills contracted by order of committee
for supplies furnished families of Camden volunteers during the
past year, be audited by last year's board of selectmen and paid."
It was also voted That the selectmen be authorized to furnish
AFFAIRS AT HOME 35 S
supplies to the families of volunteers resident in Camden, and
that the amount to be furnished be left discretionary with said
selectmen," and " That the sum of two thousand dollars be
raised to pay the past and present years' bills for support of
families of volunteers resident in Camden and that the town
treasurer be authorized to procure that sum by loan." It was
voted to purchase the whole of the Wm. Hall farm for $1Q00 and
that the selectmen select a suitable portion of it for a burial
ground for Rockport village, and dispose of the rest to the best
advantage possible.
On July 24, a meeting was called to see what action the
town would take in regard to paying bounties to soldiers, at
which it was voted " That this town shall pay to each person who
shall volunteer to make up Camden's quota of the seven thousand
men called for by the Governor of this state, the sum of one
hundred and twenty five dollars, to be paid to him on his being
mustered into the service of the United States, — enUstments to
be made within thirty days in order to entitle the person enlist-
ing to the said bounty " ; also, " To raise six thousand two
hundred arid fifty dollars, to pay volunteers agreeably to the fore-
going vote, and that the Town Treasurer be authorized to give a
note or notes of the town for the same." This was to be, if
practicable, a ten years loan.
A month later (Aug. 26) another meeting was held to act on
the same subject of bounties at which it was voted " To raise one
hundred dollars bounty to each person that volunteers or is
drafted," to fill up the town's quota of the 300,000 men called
for by the President on Aug. 4. The sum of eight thousand
dollars was voted (to be raised by loan) to pay the aforesaid
bounties, the money to be paid the soldiers when mustered in.
The town also voted to petition the legislature to reimburse the
town for the amounts paid out in way of bounties. ^
1 The state af erwards by several leglstative acts provide i for the pa> -
ment • f bounties out of the statn treasury and tor the reimbursement of
the towns f r payment of boynties to their soldiers.
356 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
This year the Republicans nominated Abner Coburn for
governor while the regular Democratic candidate was Bion Brad-
bury, and the candidate of the War Democrats was again C. D.
Jameson. The Republican candidate was elected by a majority
considerably reduced from the year before and Mr. Coburn became
Maine's second " War Governor." The War Democrats who
composed the larger wing of the party in 1861, this year were
reduced to less than 7000 votes, only about one fifth of the vote
cast by the other branch of the party. In Camden, however, the
War Democrats cast the larger number of votes, Mr. Jameson re-
ceiving 181, and Mr. Bradbury 135, while Mr. Coburn received
259.
For Representative to the Legislature D. H. Bisbee, Repub-
hcan, received 341 votes and was elected over E. K. Smart,
who received 257. After the election Mr. Bisbee's success
was celebrated and Wm. Meservey while in the act of firing a gun
in the celebration, lost an arm.
This year Megunticoook School District was formed by the
union of Dist. No. 2 and Dist. No. 3, for the purpose of establish-
ing graded schools for Camden village. The following grading
committee was chosen, by the new district : Samuel G. Adams,
E. K. Smart, F. P. Chapin, E. M. Wood and T. R. Simonton.
This was the begining of the excellent system of graded schools
now existing in Camden.
On the morning of Sept. 29, 1862, at half past five ofclock,
Bisbee & Marble's powder mill exploded, but fortunately no one
was injured by the accident.
Christopher Young, Jr., died this year. Mr. Young was at the
time of his death Treasurer of the town, and on Oct. 7, a town
meeting convened to elect his successor at which Sidney A. Jones
was chosen to fill the vacancy.
Hon. Christopher Young, Jr., who was one of the most
successful of the Camden business men of his day died, Sept. 27,
1862, at the age of 42 years. Mr. Youi^g was born in Union,
AFFAIRS AT HOME 357
Maine. He obtained his education at the district schools of his
native town, and in turn became himself a district school teacher.
He started his business career by going into trade at East Union
when a very young man, where he remained until 1845 when he
transferred his business to West Camden. He traded there for
about seventeen years and was still in business there in company
with Mr. Geo. A. Miller at the time of his death. In the mean-
time some eight or ten years prior to his death he opened a lime
manufacturing and ship building business at Rockport in which
he was eminently successful. He built and occupied the store
at the Rockport bridge, now known as the Burgess store building,
and owned the southerly end of the "Jacobs Farm" including
the lime quarries producing the " Jacobs Lime." He also built
the large house afterwards known as the "Burgess House" on
Union street and moved there from West Camden about 1859 oc-
cupying it until his death. Mr. Young took great interest in
politics being a consistent Democrat. He represented Camden
in the Legislature in 1850, '51 and '52 and was a member of the
State Senate in 1854. He was,in 1860, a strong Douglass Democrat,
a thorough union man and intensely interested in the success of
the union cause, but did not live to witness its triumph. Mr.
Young married Christiana, daughter of John Achorn, by whom he had
six children, five of whom died in childhood of diphtheria all with-
in a period of a few weeks. The youngest, Arvilla, survived,
and married Alfred. A. Richards.
Col. Nicholas Berry died this year in March. Col. Berry
was born in Liverpool, England in 1807 of a Danish father and
English mother. He came to Boston with his father when about
eight years of age, and obtained his education in the Boston
schools. At the age of 20 he went to New York and engaged in
the sail making business until 1841, when he came to Camden,
induced to do so by his connection in business with Camden
sea captains, and continued to carry on the same business here.
He built and occupied the large house on Union street late the
358 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
homestead of Capt. I. W. Sherman. Col. Berry was interested in
military affairs and while in New York was Colonel of the 10th
New York Regiment. He was also much interested in education-
al and temperance work and was prominent as a temperance
worker in the days when the cause was unpopular. Col. Berry
was twice married. His first wife was Sallie Ann Lundy, by whom
he had two children : Agnes (who married Frank Barrett) and
George. His second wife was Hope Strong, by whom he had
nine children : Mary (who married Joseph Ayer) John C,
Sarah C, (who married Fred Pillsbury) Nicholas, Henry, Wilbur
F., Clarence, Charles W., and Fannie C.
Capt. WiOiam Blake, died June 29, 1862. He was born
in Camden in the southern part of the town, in 1794. He
married Lucy, daughter of Lewis Ogier and for a time lived in
the Frederick Conway house and at 'Rockport village. He came
to Camden village about 1836, and purchased of Chas. R. Porter
the residence on Chestnut street, known as the ' Blake House "
and still owned by his daughter, Mrs. Lucy Hosmer. Capt.
Blake was a successful master mariner and commanded many
large vessels. His children are Patience (who married first Wm.
Hosmer and second Edmund Buxton) and Lucy (who married
Jesse H. Hosmer.)
18(o3. The annual town meeting in 1863 was held on
March 16. At this meeting William Carleton was elected Town
Clerk ; S. T. Cleveland, Hanson Andrews and Almon Bird, Select-
men ; and W. A. L. Rawson, Treasurer.
On July 1, a town meeting assembled to again act on the
questions of bounties, etc., at which it was " voted to raise the
sum of 1300 for each individual citizen who may be drafted into
the army of the United States, under the late act of Congress
passed March 3, 1863." It was voted that a committee con-
sisting of the Selectmen, Town Treasurer, Wm. H. Washburn
and Edward Cushing, see to raising the money by loan, for the
purpose of paying the aforementioned bounty. It was also voted
AFFAIRS AT HOME 359
that this committee pay to each drafted man, the aforesaid sum
of $300 when mustered in, or to his substitute when mustered
in ; and ' if such citizen so drafted wishes to be exempted
under said law, to pay the aforesaid sum of $300 to exempt him
from such service."
On Nov. 19, a meeting was called to consider the same
question at which it was voted to pay each man when mustered
into the United States service, the sum of three hundred dollars,
and a vote was taken to raise by loan the sum of $18,600 for
this purpose.
The state election took place Sept. 14, 1863. Gov. Cobum
had served during the most trying year of the war, when battles
were being lost and many were discouraged and dissatisfied and
the " Peace Party " had gained its greatest strength at the
north. The Governor, however, was unfaltering in the work of
raising troops and forwarding them to the seat of war, and dis-
played great ability in sustaining the hands of President Lincoln
in carrying on the war. As he was about to retire, it became
necessary to select a man who would be his and Gov. Washburn's
equal in carrying on the great work, and the choice fell upon
Samuel Cony of Augusta who was nominated by the Republicans
and elected by a large majority over Bion Bradbury who was
again the Democratic candidate, the distinction between Dem-
ocrats" and " War Democrats " having this year entirely dis-
appeared, leaving but two candidates in the field. It is only
necessary to add that our third " War Governor " fell not be-
hind his predecessors in zeal, loyajty and patriotism, and Everj
call of the President for troops was promptly answered, officers
were selected with the sole view of their fitness to command,
while the welfare of the men from Maine at the front was his
great care." ^
Mr. Cony proved a popular candidate in Camden and re-
ceived 446 votes while 342 were cast for Mr. Bradbury.
1. Representative Men of Maine, page 47. of sketches of early Governors.
360 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Elbridge G. Knight of Camden was one of the Democratic
candidates for senator at this election, receiving in Camden
353 votes to 441 for his opponent, but was not elected.
George L. Follansbee, Republican, was elected Represen-
tative to the Legislature over P. J. Carleton, Democrat, the vote
standing 426 for Follansbee and 374 for Carleton.
This year on Feb. 11, another homicide occured in town
in the killing of Freeman C. Patterson by William D. Blake.
These men had been on unfriendly terms for sometime and on
this day Blake shot Patterson in Berry's sail loft, killing liim in-
stantly. ^
Samuel Chase, died this year on Nov. 1, at the age of 52
years. Mr. Chase was the son of Robert Chase and was bom in
Camden, Aug. 30, 1811. When a young man he learned the
blacksmith's trade of his father, and after he became of age he
went to the Provinces where he worked at his trade for about
two years. He then returned to his native state and worked at
his trade at Rockport and elsewhere for a short time and then
formed a partnership with his father and carried on business with
him during his lifetime and afterwards carried it on alone. Mr.
Chase had a remarkable memory and was a most interesting and
companionable man. He was a lifelong Democrat and took much
interest in politics, but we are not able to learn that he held
many civil offices. He also took a great interest in Masonry,
and was the twenty-fourth Master of Amity Lodge serving in that
capacity three times in 1854, 1857 and 1858. He was District
Deputy Grand Master from 1858 to 1860. Mr. Chase married
Elmira Harrington, by whom he had two children, one of whom
died young. The surviving child was Mary (who married J. S.
Rnowlton. )
1. Blake was convicted and sentenced to be hung. This sentence was
afterwards commuted to imprisonment for life and in 1877 he was pardoned.
Blake who had been a model prisoner, and was a. finished workman, was
after his pardon, retained by the prison management as an overseer.
AT THE FRONT 361
CHAPTER XLIII.
AT The Front.
1863. We will now return to the boys in the field and
take a brief glance at the history of the principal Maine regiments
in which Camden men were serving during this dark, strenuous
and important year of the great rebellion.
During this year the following Camden men enlisted : Wm.
A. Miller joined the Maine Heavy Artillery ; Geo. L. Ames,
Geo. C. Gardiner, Wm. J. Collins and Henry D. Calderwood,
the Fourth Regiment of Infantry ; Geo. E. Dunton, the Eighth
Regiment ; Warren Blake, the Second Regiment of Cavalry.
The following joined the District of Columbia Regiment of
Cavaky : Addison D. Barrett, Geo. H. M. Barrett, Benj. 0.
Barrows, Geo. R. Cameron, Alonzo D. Champney, Erastus R.
Dailey, Perrin P. Freeman, Joseph W. Fletcher, Elvirous Gregory,
Geo. W. Gregory, Albert W. Hasson, Elbridge S. Hopkins,
Augustus H. Knight, John Q. A. Libby, Robert Lockhart, John
B. Lash, John Lane, Wayland Marden, DeWitt McAllister,
Frederick A. Norwood, Leander H. Paul, Sanford G. Parker,
Richard F. Pendleton, Geo. H. Prince, Amos E. Russell, John
H. Rollins, Henry B. Richards, Avery Small, Lorenzo A. Soule,
Manassah W. Spear, Geo. L. Simons, Geo. W. Sherman, Chas.
M. Stockham, Benj. E. Studley, Isaac W. Tilden, Frederick M.
Veazie, Ephriam M. Knight. These men were afterwards trans-
ferred to and served in the First Regiment of Maine Cavalry.
362 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
We left the old Fourth Regiment receiving the compliments
of its General after the battle of Fredericksburg. During the
winter the regiment was encamped at Camp Pitcher, near Fal-
mouth. On April 28 it broke camp and marched towards Fred-
ericksburg and bivouacked three miles below the city. After
several days of hard marching it engaged in the battle of Chancel-
lorsville, and did good services, when the Union right wing was
pierced by " Stonewall " Jackson, to retrieve our position. The
regiment shared in the famous night attack made in the dense
woods on May 2, losing thirty-two men in killed, wounded and
missing.
At the battle of Chancellorsville the gallant Gen. Hiram G.
Berry was killed. On the morning of May 3, while posted to the
right of Chancellorsville, Gen. Howard, whose division had been
put to flight, rode up and said, " Gen. Berry, I am ruined." "Oh
no, General" replied Berry, " I have a division that never was
driven an inch ; I will put them immediately into the breach and
regain what you have lost." Berry at once placed himself at the
head of his brave men and with an irresistible charge, drove back
the enemy at the point of the bayonet, and re-took the ground
which had been lost. During the temporary hush which followed.
Gen. Berry directed one of his staff (Capt. Greenhalgh) to ride to
Gen. Hooker's headquarters for orders as to whether or not he
should hold his position. Then dismounting with the rest of his
staff, he walked a short distance to confer with Gen. Mott, and
on his return, when near his staff, he was struck in the arm, close
to the shoulder, by a rifle rninie-ball which passed downward
through his vitals, lodged in his hip, and killed him immediately.
Thus perished one of the bravest soldiers and most skillful and
promising officers of the war. Had his Ufe been spared, it is
believed by many that he would have been raised to the head of
the army before the war closed. His body was embalmed and
brought home to Rockland. At Washington and at Portland the
remains were received with the highest civil, military and masonic
AT THE FRONT 363
honors. On the Saturday following his death the body arrived
from Portland at Rockland by steamer. Minute guns were fired
as the vessel came up the harbor, the bells of the city were
tolled, the places of business were closed, buildings were draped
in mourning and flags hung at half mast. The remains lay in
state at his late residence until the following Thursday when the
funeral ceremonies took place. Among the many who were
present to do honor to his memory and bear testimony to his
distinguished military ability and services, were Vice President
Hannibal Hamlin, Gov. Coburn and staff, Ex-Gov. Washburn,
U. S. Senator Lot M. Monill, Hon. S. C. Fessenden, Judge
Rice, Maj. Gen. J. H. Butler and staff, Maj. Gen. Wm. H. Tit-
comb and aids, and Capt. J. B. Greenhalgh, member of the la-
mented General's staff.
The Fourth Regiment was next engaged in an important
battle on the famous field of Gettysburg towards which, in a few
weeks, so many Maine soldiers were converging.
The Eighth Regiment after wintering at Beaufort, embarked
on March 19, to occupy Jacksonville, Fla. It landed under fire
of the emeny, who were shelling the city. Col. Rust at once
assumed command and ordered two gunboats to open fire in support
of his battery and the enemy soon retired. Several attacks were
made by the enemy during the following week but they were
driven back and preparations were being made for the full occu-
pation of eastern Florida, when Gen. Hunter ordered the regi-
ment back to Beaufort to assist in the contemplated attack on
Charleston. April 3, the regiment embarked for Charleston and
lay at Stone River during the bombardment of Fort Sumter by
Admiral Dupont's fleet, after which it was ordered back to Beau-
fort. On April 16, the regiment was again ordered to the vicinity
of Charleston, but unforeseen circumstances prevented its getting
farther than Hilton Head where it landed and remained during
the summer and fall subject to severe picket, fatigue and garrison
duty. On Nov. 14, the regiment returned to Beaufort where it
364 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
remained for the rest of the year.
The old Second Battery also had a share in the battle of
Chancellorsville, holding the extreme right of the line of the
army, doing good service. A month later found the Battery en-
gaged in the Pennsylvanian campaign. It crossed the Potomac
on June 23, and was constantly on the advance until, on the
morning of July 1, it found itself facing the enemy at Gettys-
burg where we will leave it for the present.
The Sixth Battery went into winter quarters at Dumfries,
Va., and on May 27, 1863, was ordered to report to the Artillery
Reserve at Falmouth where it lay until June 13, when the army
took up the line of march towards the Potpmac. It arrived at
Fairfax Court House on the ISth where it remained until the 24th
when it crossed the Potomac and camped in Maryland until the
28th. On that date it took up the line of march toward that
mighty rendezvous, Gettysburg, where it arrived on July 1, and
took position before the confederate army.
The Ninetenth Regiment was in winter quarters at Falmouth
until April 27, when its Division was ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Sedgwick- in an attack on the heights of Fredericksburg.
To the regiment was assigned the duty of guarding the telegraphic
communication between the left wing of the army and Gen.
Hooker's headquarters, where it remained until May 3. On May
4, it was detached to guard the fort at Falmouth, and on the Sth
it removed the pontoon bridge at Fredericksburg under a severe
fire of the enemy. Two days later it went into camp where it
remained until June 15, when it took up the northward line of
march which in due time brought it across the Potomac and to
the great objective point of all the regiments in that part of the
South, Gettysburg, where it bivouacked on July 1.
The Twentieth Regiment after passing the winter at Fal-
mouth, participated in the battle of Chancellorsville to the extent
of guarding the telegraph line from right to left, and after the
battle returned to its old camping ground where Lieut. Col.
AT THE FRONT 365
Chamberlain took command. On May 20, it started on the
march and was on the move the most of the time without partici-
pating in any. engagement until June 21, when it encountered
two brigades of the enemy's cavalry with artillery near Middle-
borough, where a sharp fight took place, the enemy being driven
back and the regiment losing one man killed and one officer and
seven men wounded. On June 26, the march was resumed and
on July 2, the regiment arrived on the field of Gettysburg.
The new Twenty-sixth Regiment was last seen encamped
below New Orleans. On the first day of January, 1863, it was
assigned to the 3d Brigade of Grover's Division. The regiment
remained at Port Hudson until March 28, when it embarked for
Donaldsonville, La., where it remained until April 20 Thence
it proceeded by march, rail and steamer, until on April 14, it
arrived near Franklin, La., and received its baptism of fire in the
battle of Irish Bend. In this battle the regiment behaved with
gallantry and met with severe loss. It was complimented on
the field by Gen. Grover, for its discipline and bravery. After the
battle the regiment remained in that vicinity until ordered back
to Port Hudson, where it arrived on May 30, and was engaged
in supporting a battery until June 12, when it was engaged in an
assault. After the surrender of the place it remained inside on
guard duty until July 26, when it embarked for home. The
regiment reached Bangor on Aug. 9, and was mustered out of
the service on Aug. 17. Of the Camden members of this regi-
ment, Lieut. Wm. F. Brown was wounded at Port Hudson, Henry
Ewell, Jr., was killed at Irish Bend and Francis French and Wilford
B. Glover died in the hospital at New Orleans. Samuel Annis and
Geo. E. Thorndike also gave up their lives for their country, dying
in the South.
The Thirteenth and Fifteenth Regiments, containing a few
Camden men each, were engaged principally near New Orleans
during the year but took part in no severe engagements. They
both formed part of Gen. Banks' expedition to Texas. On Nov.
366 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
15, they took part in the expedition to Mustang Island and on
the 16th both regiments supported by the 28th Iowa, formed in
line of battle to storm the enemy's works, but when they advanced
the garrison unconditionally surrendered. Both regiments also
joined in the movement upon Corpus Christi.
The First Regiment of Cavalry was not joined by Camden
men (except Franklin A. Oxton who was taken prisoner at Fred-
ericksburg and afterwards paroled) until 1864, when the Maine
men from the &st D. C. Cavalry were transferred to it. It was a
very active cavalry regiment. It arrived on the Gettysburg field
on July 2.
We have thus briefly traced the Camden soldiers at the front
through the year, except those who engaged in the battle of
Gettysburg whom we left girding their loins for that mighty
struggle.
GETTYSBURG 367
CHAPTER XLIV.
GETTYSBURG.
18(53. The great red tide of the rebelUon had now
reached its flood. Up it had come from the South a mighty deluge
that threatened to override all obstacles and submerge the
North itself. Even into the North it came, sweeping towards the
cities of Philadelphia and New York. In this dark hour a wall of
blue arose upon the Pennsylvania hills, an impregnable wall
against which this awful tide dashed and roared only to be hurled
back to rise no more but from that day to ebb and ebb and ebb
until it disappeared forever at Appomattox- In this wall of blue, a
mighty part thereof, stood the Anaks from Maine and among
them Camden had its immortal share and acted its immortal part.
The Second Maine Battery was early on the field, and opened
the great battle, firing the first gun in this most decisive battle of
the great rebellion. ^ It was attached to the artillery brigade of
the First Corps, and was the battery selected to accompany the
leading division of the Corps upon its march, which arrangement
brought it upon the field in the very van of the First Corps.
Gen. Reynolds, in person selected the position for the Battery on
the right near the Chambersburg Pike, ^ and it at once opened
upon the enemy the first cannonade and this action of Gen.
Reynolds committed the army definitely to a battle for the
1. " Maine at Gettysburg," Page 15.
2. The State of Maine erected Its monument to the Battery on this spot,
Hie same being a granile tablet.
368 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
possession of Gettysburg. The men who brought the six three-
inch guns into position were volunteers principally from Knox
County. The guns of the Battery did most effective work and it
only retired from this position, which was an exceedingly exposed
one, when ordered to do so to save it from annihilation. It re-
treated under a heavy fire taking its guns, except one unhorsed
gun which, however, was later taken off by Capt. Hall with his
own men and horses. " The conduct of the Battery during the
half hour it had been engaged had been conspicuously gallant.
It had maintained itself against the concentrated fire of the Con-
federate guns massed against its position, returning their fire with
such effect that several of the enemy's pieces were disabled, and
had, without the assistance of infantry, repulsed one Confederate
charge. Two men had been killed outright and eighteen had
been wounded." ^ The Battery then proceeded to Seminary
Ridge but was forced to return to the Chambersburg Pike. It
then had but three guns left in working order and was ordered to
a position upon Cemetery Hill fighting its way inch by inch and
arriving there after five hours of hard fighting. On the second
day of the battle, July 2, the three effective guns of the Battery
were stationed on the extreme left of the artillery line in the
Cemetery and here the Battery opened fire in reply to the enemy's
guns and continued in action until the Confederates ceased firing
for the day. During the two days the Battery fired 635 rounds of
ammunition. The Camden men in the Battery were, as a rule,
fortunate in escaping casualties. During the first day of the battle
Richard N. Thomdike and William Orbeton were wounded.
The Fourth Regiment, which " Maine at Gettysburg" de-
scribes as ' one of the truest veteran regiments in the Army of
the Potomac", was led to Gettysburg by Col. Elijah Walker, a
brave and gallant officer. It arrived on the evening of July 1,
and was ordered to establish a picket line to extend along a por-
tion of the left front of the Union line. Facing them were the
1. " Maine at Gettysburg," Page 19.
GETTYSBURG 369
Confederate pickets in the same wood and in the morning a de-
sultory skirmish fire was kept up between the opposing picket
lines until about 10 o'clock in the forenoon when the Regiment
was relieved from picket duty. The Regiment was attached to
Sickles' Corps, and Ward's Brigade, and in the Union line on the
second day of the battle this Brigade was on the extreme left of
the line which extended from the Devil's Den to the Peach
Orchard and the Fourth Regiment was at the left extremity of the
Brigade. In the gorge of the Devil's Den the Regiment bravely
resisted the enemy and suffered the severest loss. ^ Here it met
and repulsed the fierce assaults of the Alabama regiments who, al-
though in larger numbers than the Maine regiment,and making their
attacks with true southern dash and heroism, were obliged to re-
tire and leave their Maine foemen in their old position. Then in
turn they got into line and charging with the bayonet drove
Benning's men from the battery. When in the evening the
Regiment retired with the Brigade to the rear, its comniand was
turned over to Capt. Edwin Libby on account of the severe
wound of the Colonel. On July 3, under Capt; Libby the Regi-
ment with the Brigade was held in reserve. In the crisis of the
assault upon our hnes in the afternoon the Regiment was hurriedly
moved to the right to the support of the Second Division, Second
Corps, but the enemy had been repulsed and the Regiment was
not actively engaged. ^ Geo. C. Gardiner of Camden, was killed
July 2, and Wm. J. Collins and Henry D. Calderwood were taken
prisoners the same day.
The Twentieth Regiment played a most gallant part on July
2, in defending the most important position in the battle of that
day, Little Round Top. The regiment was under the command
of Col. Joshua L. Chamberlain, one of the bravest and ablest of
the ofHcers of our northern armies in the rebelhon and who played
1 In the gorgo was placed the Fourth Maine's monumTit which is a five
sided shaft of Maine granite.
2. See " Maine at Geltysbuig," Pages 158-198.
370 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
a most heroic part in the battle of July 2. Says " Maine at Gettys-
burg" (page 253) : "How our Twentieth Regiment at the head
of the brigade went in at first to Sickles, line of battle then under
tremendous fire ; how the gallant General Warren, seeing with
military eye the importance of the Round Top heights, begged
General Sykes to send Vincent's brigade to gain this position in
advance of Longstreet's troops, then rushing for the ,same com-
manding heights ; how Hazlett, aided by the infantry, lifted his
guns by hand and hand spike up the craggy sides ; how Vincent
fought and fell ; how the Twentieth at the critical moment, with
a bayonet charge, tuimed the confident Confederate onslaught
into rout, on the left of our army ; all this makes one of the most
famous passages of the battle of Gettysburg." ^ The defense of
Little Round Top was one of the grandest events of the whole
war. The gods, fighting in the defense of Olympus, could have
performed no more mighty deeds, and when the awful
struggle was over and " the Confederates were driven completely
and finally from the front of the Twentieth" and Little Round
Top was saved, the soldiers of the Twentieth could not rest, much
as they needed it, for the order came to Col. Chamberlain "to
advance and take possession of Big Round Top." This order
was quickly and nobly executed, the enemy were driven over the
mountain, the Regiment took up a commanding position on its
summit ^ and the enemy gave up further attack upon the Union
left. In the forenoon of the 3d the Regiment was in a position to
the right of Little Round Top, where it remained during the
battle of that day not being called in to assist in repelling Pickett's
charge. The following day the Regiment was engaged in burying
its many dead. The few Camden men in this regiment escaped.
The Nineteenth Regiment was the remaining Maine infantry
regiment participating in the great battle. It was attached to
1. For Twentieth Maine at Gettysburg see ■' M;une a' Gettysburg." Pages
252-288.
2. Upon Big Round Top Is tlie State's moil umcn I to the Twentieth Kegi-
ment. It is of Hallowell granite.
GETTYSBURG 371
Hancock's Second Corps and was the only Maine organization in
in that Corps. ^ It was commanded by Col. Francis E. Heath, and
this was the first great battle in which it was engaged and right
gallantly did it bear itself. The Corps was placed ih line of
battle early in the morning of July 2, its right resting on Cemetery
Hill and its left stretching towards Little Round Top. When the
first Confederate charge was made upon the Regiment the soldiers
of the South " melted away" before the fierce and enfilading fire
of the Nineteenth. Then followed the 'charge towards the Emmits-
burg Road, in which the enemy were dispersed, and "several
stands of colors, many prisoners and four Union cannons,
abandoned in the retreat, were the trophies of this daring and
gallant charge." The Regiment remained near the Emmitsburg
Road until recalled about- dark. Says "Maine at Gettysburg:"
" As the men and officers marched back to the line on that
evening they might justly have felt that whatever glories there
are in war had been won by them. * * * * Their loss in
killed and wounded had been remarkable even in that remarkable
battle. Many years later, when the records of the Union armies
should be studied, it was written in history that at Gettysburg,
Harrow's Brigade of Hancock's Corps, suffered heavier losses than
any other brigade of any Federal army in any battle of the Civil
War. And of the devoted regiments of that brigade the Nine-
teenth Maine was to stand second in the extent of its losses. In
this day's fighting 130 men and oflScers of the Regiment had been
killed or wounded. The field over which they marched was
strewn with ghastly evidence of battle." The forenoon of July
3d passed without incident to the Union left but the great, final
event of the three days battle was in preparation, an event that
Gen. Lee hoped would divide the Union army, and open the road
to the great North and demand the recognition of the Confederate
States of America as one of the great family of the earth's nations.
The last mighty wave of the high tide of the' rebellion was about
1. See " Maine at Gettystiuvg," Piiges 291-321.
372 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
to dash against the wall of blue and the Nineteenth Maine was
lying directly in its path. Pickett's charge was about to be made.
At one o'clock the artillery of the enemy opened the cannonade
that was to prepare the way for the charge and for ninety minutes
the Nineteenth suffered the rain of shot and shell with no pro-
tection but a stone wall. Then from the far-av\{ay woods the
magnificent charge began. Pickett's division, the flower of
the South, with splendid discipline swept across the mile and a
quarter of intervening fields, regardless of artillery shot and in-
fantry bullets poured upon them by the waiting soldiers of the
North. The Nineteenth began firing when they were 300 or 400
yards away. Webb's brigade of Pennsylvania first received the
shock of their advance, and gave way before it, but the Second
Corps rushed to the rescue, the Nineteenth Maine among the
first. While the Titanic struggle is going on batteries of friend
and foe are throwing shot and shell into the area of the struggl-
ing mass. The Confederates break through and are thrust
back in a hand to hand combat. The Union line is pushed back
from the wall and the Confederates possess it. The men of the
Nineteenth and their comrades move down upon them and they
are hurled back again. The line is preserved, the last wave re-
ceedes, the great battle is won, the rebellion has received
its death blow, the Union is saved. ^ Of the Camden men
in the regiment Joseph W. Wilson and John F. Carey were
killed and Edward B. Sheldon, Daniel G. Lamb and Amos B.
Oxton were wounded.
The Sixth Battery, known as " Dow's Battery" being under
command of Lieut. Edwin B. Dow, on its arrival July 2, reported
to Maj. Freeman McGUvery. ^ The enemy had just captured
four guns of a Massachusetts battery and under directions of
McGhvery the Sixth Battery opened fire upon them and restored
1. At the " Bloody Angle " where the regiment awaite'' Flokelt's churge,
was erected of Hallowell granite the State's monument to the Nineteenth,
2. See " Maine at Gettysburg," Pages 325-347.
GETTYSBURG 373
three of them, after driving the enemy away. Later McGlivery
found the enemy advancing in full force, and hurried into position
Battery I. Sth U. S., three guns of the Sth Mass., two guns of
Thompson's Penn. Battery and another volunteer Battery. As
the Sixth went into position it came under a heavy fire from two
Confederate batteries, to which Dow responded with shot and
shell. Soon the enemy evidently determined to dash through the
batteries. No infantry was at hand to support them and the
batteries were in a most critical and perilous position. The Sixth
Maine and Fifth Mass. alone stood to their guns pouring in upon
the advancing enemy canister shot with such rapidity that they
were forced to retire. The Sixth expended 240 rounds of ammu-
nition, and while under a severe fire lost not a man killed and but
eight wounded. On July 3, the Battery did good service in break-
ing up the Confederate batteries engaged in shelling the Union
line before Pickett's charge. And when Pickett's line advanced
the Sixth assisted in pouring upon them such a withering fire that
only decimated regiments at last reached Hancock's line to be
hurled back by the Nineteenth Maine and the other regiments
that met the charge of the doomed Confederates. But five men
of the Sixth were wounded during the day's action, and during
the two days the Battery did not lose a gun. ^
It only remains to say that the First Maine Cavalry, attached
to the Brigade of Gen. J. Irvin Gregg, bore itself bravely in the
cavalry battle on July 3, and on the following day began its work
of following up the retreating forces of Lee, hanging upon his
flanks and capturing many of his stragglers and wounded, until
he crossed the Potomac on July 15. ^
1. The monument to Ihe Sixth Battery at Gettysburg is of Hallowell
granite, with a group of lannon balls upon the pUnih.
2. " Maine at Gettysburg," Pages 169-516. The monument to the First
M line Cavalry was erected on the Hanover Road-
374 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XLV.
On Many Battlefields.
18(o3. After the battle at Gettysburg the Union army
followed the retreating enemy back across the Potomac.
The Second Battery followed Gen. Lee into Virginia and
went into camp at Kelley's Ford. In September it marched to
near Culpepper and thence to the Rapidan River. Later it was
ordered into Camp Barry, artillery depot, Washington, where it
remained for the winter.
The Fourth Regiment also followed into Virginia, its division
meeting and engaging the enemy at Wapping Heights. In the
fall it took part in the manoeuvres from Culpeper to Centreville,
and was present at Kelley's Ford, Orange Grove and Mine Run in
November. It went into winter quarters at Brandy Station, Vir-
ginia, on Jan. 1, 1864.
The Nineteenth Regiment after marching south, encamped
at Morrisville until Sept. 12, when it moved to Rappahannock
Station. Later it maintained an extensive picket line on a part
of the Ijne of the Rapidan and on Oct. 8, it moved to Culpeper.
On Oct. 10, it was called out in haste and two days later was
hotly engaged with the enemy at Bristow Station, capturing a
stand of colors from a North Carolina regiment, besides a large
number of prisoners and small arms. Afterwards the Regiment
encamped at Warrenton and Brandy Station, in the meantime
joining in the movement to Mine Run and afterwards went into
ON MANY BATTLEFIELDS 37S
camp at Stevensburg.
The Twentieth Regiment in its movement southward engaged
with the enemy on July 10, on the Sharpsburg Pike, losing ten
men. In August it encamped at Beverly Ford and later shared in
the movement between Culpeper and Centreville, but was not
actively engaged with the enemy until Nov. 7, when it took part
in the battle of Rappahannock Station, and was subsequently in
the afiair at Mine Run where it suffered from the severe cold
but had but slight loss in wounded and none killed. The Regi-
ment was assigned the duty of guarding the RappahannocTi Station
railroad bridge, where it was comfortably encamped.
The Sixth Battery crossed the Potomac into Virginia on July
18, and there moved to Warrenton encamping there and at
Warrenton Junction until Sept. 16, when it marched to Culpepper.
On Oct. 12, it proceeded to Centreville Heights subsequently
arriving at Brandy Station. In November the Battery was posted
along the railroad to assist in guarding the communications with
Washington. On Dec. 3, it reached Brandy Station where it
finally went into winter quarters.
The First Cavalry Regiment engaged the enemy in a severe
battle at Shepardstown on July 16, meeting with heavy loss. In
October at Sulphur Springs, it had a strenuous reconnoissancej
constantly marching and fighting for six days and two nights.
This Regiment also took part in the Mine Run affair, skirmishing,
reconnoitering and picketing in extremely cold weather. In the
latter part of December, with three other regiments, it made a
successful expedition through the Blue Ridge destroying a large
manufactory of Confederate government cavalry and artillery
equipments with contents, and several tanneries. The Regiment
went into winter quarters near Warrenton.
18(54. During this year the following Camden men joined
the Second Battery : Dexter C. Andrews, Richard Collamore,
William House, Ezra B. Hall, Thomas H. Ingraham, Andrew
Mitchell, Isaac F. Pattee, Augustus Peabody, Charles M. Prince,
376 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
and Emery S. Upham.
The following Camden recruits joined the Sixth Battery :
Geo. A. Andrews, Osgood H. Blake, Frederick J. Currier, Henry
E. Howard, John H. Marshall, Thos. M. Maddocks, Christopher
C. Stinson and Albert E. Studley.
The Eighth Regiment received the following accessions from
Camden : Oliver Metcalf, Henry T. Ogier, Nathan B. Hopkins,
Ezekiel T. Keller.
Camden also furnished the following for the Ninth Regiment :
Peter E.Robbins, Henry S. Simmons, Amos Allen, Hovey M.
Andrews, Thomas Blackington, John B. Ott, John Osmond,
Francis Overlook, Edward Parkinson, Comfort W. Perkins,
Chas. A. Potter, Isaac G. Keller, Joseph T. Keller. Levi Morton,
John Noland, Sanford L. Oxton, John E. Playze, John C. Thorn-
dike, Edgar S. Packard, Ezra B.- Wilson, ^ylvanus H. Young,
Otis S. Gardiner and Minot D. Hewett.
The Fifteenth Regiment was joined by John E. Thomdike,
the Sixteenth by Wm. Green, and the Seventeenth by Edward
D. Harrington, all of Camden.
The Camden recruits for the Nineteenth Regiment were
Oscar E. Page, Rufus C. Thomas, Joab Gray, Elvirus E. Gregory,
John H. Sumner, Sumner H. Bennett and Geo H. Bennett.
Joseph Bishop and Wm. McLaughlin joined the Twentieth
Regiment.
Benj. 0. Barrows and Stephen B. Gurney, of Camden, be-
came members of the First Battalion of Infantry Co. B. ^
The following Camden men became members of the Coast
Guards : Frank Milliken, Lieutenant ; Abraham G. Dow, Ser-
geant ; William E. Clough, Musician ; Cornelius W. Thomas, ■
Wagoner ; Richard B. Grinnell, James P. C. Kimball, Herman
Rankin, Herbert Thomdike, Frankhn L. Start, and Edgar E.
1. A few of the recruits named in this Chapter as en ering the service in
1864, actually entered in the very last of 1863, and the very first of 1865. The
great majority of them, however, entered sometime during the year 1864.
ON MANY BATTLEFIELDS 377
Witherspoon.
Erastus R. Dailey, George W. Gregory, Chas. B. Simmons,
and Geo. B. Yeaton of Camden became members of the First
Regiment of Cavalry. Moses L. Strickland of Camden joined the
First Regiment of Heavy Artillery and Levi W. Martin the Thirty-
first Regiment of Infantry.
To follow the movements of all the Camden men engaged
in their country's defense during the last year and a quarter of the
war would be impracticable in a work of the scope of this history,
and we shall only be able to touch upon the most important of
the many affairs in which they participated during the year 1864
and the early months of 1865.
The First District of Columbia Cavalry, after performing im-
portant services at Washington, Portsmouth, Petersburg and
elsewhere, joined the Union force at Malvern Hill on July 26, and
assisted in repulsing the enemy there. August 2, it crossed the
Appomattox river and the next day took up headquarters at
Sycamore church. It was on picket line from Aug. 8th to the
21st, near Petersburg on the Weldon and Petersburg railroad.
From that time, for several days, it was participating in fights and
skirmishes. On Sept. IS, it was attacked by a heavy force of the
enemy from three different points just at the break of day. The
fierce attacks of the enemy here and at Cox's Mills, time after
time repulsed, until finally the Regiment was forced to retreat on
account of the overwhelming force with which it was engaged, is
one of the brilliant chapters in the history of the war. In Sep-
tember all the Maine officers and men of this Regiment were trans-
fered to the First Maine Cavalry Regiment and their history from
that time became indentical with that of the Maine Regiment
which was engaged during the months of September, October and
November in doing picket duty and reconnoitering, excepting
that in the latter part of October, it was attacked on the Boydton
Plank Road and nobly held its ground against a superior force.
Dec. 1, six companies, under command of Lieut. Col. J. P. Cilley,
378 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
marched to Stony Creek Station and assisted in its destruction,
and on the 7th, five other companies assisteid at the Weldon
Railroad in burning the bridge and barracks, after which the
Regiment was again employed principally in picketing and scout-
ing. The casualties of the Regiment for the year 1864, were
76 officers and men killed, 215 wounded, and 130 missing in
action.
The Second Battery moved out of winter quarters on April
26, joined the 9th Army Corps, and entered upon campaign
of the Potomac under Gen. Grant. After various meanderings it
engaged the enemy on May 10, about four miles from Spottsylvania
Court 'House. From that time for a period of several days it was
participating in severe engagements or throwing up earthworks. '
In June the Battery found itself in the line of battle then forming
in front of Petersburg, where it participated in that famous seige.
On July 30, the occasion of the explosion of the mine, the Battery
kept up a fierce fire on the enemy's works nearly all day, firing
550 rounds. On Oct. 13, the Battery was removed two miles
from the front, occupying the outer defenses of City Point. It
did not participate in any subsequent engagements. Thomas
F. Simpson of Camden was killed befote Petersburg, June 30.
The Fourth Regiment removed from winter quarters March
15th, and was assigned to the 2d Army Corps, as the army was
reorganized under Gen. Grant. It was engaged in the battle of
the Wilderness losing 34 killed, 147 wounded and three missing.
It was then employed in reconnoitering, building fortifications,
etc., and later took part in the charge upon the enemy near Han-
over Junction. On June 2, it moved to Cold Harbor where it
was occupied in building breastworks, rifle pits, etc., until the
13th. The next day it crossed the James river and took position
in line of battle, and on the following day was relieved from
further duty. This old veteran Regiment that had seen so much
service, then returned to Rockland where it arrived June 25, and
received suitable honors in a reception under the auspicies of the
ON MANY BATTLEFIELDS 379
municipal authorities, and on July 19, the battle scarred veterans
were mustered out of the United States service.
The Nineteenth Regiment remained in winter quarters until
the opening of the Wilderness Campaign on May 3, in which it
participated with severe loss. Then followed the engagements at
Spottsylvania, River Po, North Anna, Totopotomy and the san-
guinary and useless assault upon the enemy's works at Cold Harbor.
On June IS, the Regiment arrived near Petersburg where it took
part in the seige and bore itself most meritoriously in the battles
of Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Ream's Station and Boydton
Road. During the year 1864, its casualties were, killed and
mortally wounded 101, wounded 299, prisoners 133, making a
total of 533 out of 614.
The Twentieth Regiment left its winter camp on May 1,
and from this time until the end of the year had a history very similar
to its sister regiment, being engaged in the Wilderness, at Spott-
sylvania, North Anna, etc., and participating in the long seige of
Petersburg. The aggregate casualties of the Regiment in 1864,
axe said to be 254.
The Sixth Battery also left camp on May 3, and engaged
in the battle of the Wilderness. Its subsequent history for the
year is so similar to that of the other troops that to follow it will
be almost a repetition of what we have already written.
Among the Camden killed during the year were the gallant
Corporal George S. Cobb, who fell in front of Petersburg, Oct.
17 ; Harvey C. Joice, June 9 ; John D. Leach, May 7 ; Albert E.
Studley, May 10 ; while many were wounded and taken prisoners.
The Eighth Regiment remained in winter quarters at Beau-
fort, S. C, until the 20th of March, when Col. Rust with 16
officers returned to Maine in charge of 330 men, who, having re-
enlisted for a term of three years, had been furloughed for 35 days.
The rest of the Regiment continued at Beaufort until April 13,
where it embarked for the Department of Virginia and New
Orleans, and on the 16th landed at Gloucester Point and was
380 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
assigned to the 10th Corps, 1st Brigade, 3d Division. Col.
Rust with the veterans and a party of recruits returned on April
26, and joined the Regiment, and on May 4, the 10th and 18th
Corps embarked on board of transports landing on the same day
at Bemuda Hundred where it took part in all the active opera-
tions of the army of the James, and on May 16 took part in the
battle of Drury's Bluff. Thence the Regiment went by march
and transports to White House Landing where it was assigned to
the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, 18th Army Corps. On May 31,
it took up the line of march for Cold Harbor reaching there June
1, and on the 3d participated in the general assault upon the
enemy's line. The Regiment remained in the trenches suffering
continual losses until the 11th, when it was relieved and later
moved to the defenses of Petersburg being then reduced to 270
guns. The Regiment remained in front of Petersburg under con-
tinual fire for the most of the time and engaged in the most
exhausting duties, until Aug. 25, when the Corps was relieved
from duty before Petersburg and went into the works before
Bemuda Hundred. On Sept. 13, Lieut. Col. Boynton was
mustered as Colonel and took command in place of Col. Rust,
discharged for disability. The Regiment was on Sept. 28, en-
gaged in an assault on the enemy's works near Chapin's Farm, and
afterwards remained in the trenches near Chapin's Farm until
Dec. S, when it was assigned to the 4th Brigade, 1st Division,
24th Corps, and moved to the right of the lines near Deep
Bottom. The Regiment garrisoned the works at Spring
Hill and on the 10th, Longstreet's Corps approached very near
the work on Spring Hill resulting in a loss to the Regiment of
five killed and six wounded. This closed the work of the Regi-
ment for the year.
When Admiral Farragut " lashed to the rigging" entered
Mobile Bay on Aug. 5, 1864, a Camden man, Capt. James W.
Magune, was in command of one of the vessels of his fleet, the
Sciota, and took part in all the operations of the fleet and in the
bombardment and surrender of Mobile.
THE WAR DEBT 381
CHAPTER XLVI.
The War, Debt.
18(54. Many town meetings were held during this year to
act upon questions relating to the wax, -^bounties, support of
families, etc.
At the annual meeting held March 14,the Town Clerk, Select-
men and Treasurer elected in 1863, were re-elected. At this
meeting it was voted to raise $1000 for the support of families of
volunteers. It was also voted that the town place at the disposal
of the municipal officers, a sum not to exceed $6000 "To make
temporary provisions for and pay to its recruits if needed."
At a town meeting held Aug. 27, it was voted " That the
Town raise two hundred and twenty-five dollars to pay recruiting
officers for each and every man they cause to be mustered into
the United States Army or Navy either as substitute or volunteer
to fill our Town Quota for the last call of the President."
And again on Oct. 17, we find the town voting " To raise
the 'sum of Three hundred and Seventy-five dollars to each volun-
teer or drafted man who has or shall enter the service of the
United States, or to Principal or Substitute entering such service
on the quota of Camden under the President's call of July 18,
1864." It was also voted " To raise by loan the sum of Twenty-
one Thousand dollars to pay said sums provided for by vote * *
****** and that the selectmen give Town orders for the
same or notes on time not exceeding ten years."
382 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Also at a meeting held Dec. 12, it was voted to raise |2S,-
000 to be paid, 1200 to one year and two years men and $375 to
three years men; which sum it was voted to raise on time not to
exceed ten years.
It was about this time, we think, when a strong opposition
arose against the draft among some of the citizens of the town
and it was feared that the draft would be resisted. So strong was
this sentiment that a United States cutter came into Rockport
harbor with deck cleared for action and guns pointing to the
village. Some who had strongly committed themselves to this
movement, with the help of their friends, got away to Canada
where they remained until the close of the war. The cutter,
however, was not needed and the draft proceeded without trouble.
This year Gov. Cony was re-nominated by the Republicans,
while the Democratic candidate was Joseph Howard. Mr. Cony
was re-elected by over 19,000 majority.
In Camden Mr. Cony received 387 votes, and Mr. Howard
266.
Elbridge G. Knight of Camden was again one of the Demo-
cratic candidates for senator receiving in Camden exactly the
same vote as the Democratic candidate for governor. He was
not elected, but, by the death of his opponent, he became entitled
to the office and served in the legislative session of 186S.
For Representative to the Legislature, George L. FoUansbee,
Republican, was elected, receiving 386 votes, while his opponent,
Ezekiel Vinal, Democrat, received 266.
On the question of amending the Constitution, allowing
soldiers, absent from the state, to vote wherever they might be in
the Army of the United States, the vote stood, 416 in favor of
the amendment and 49 opposed to it.
At the presidential election in the following November the
Republican electors received 377 votes and the Democratic
electors 281.
On May 6, of this year a sad accident happened on Mt.
THE WAR DEBT 383
Megunticook. A Maying party from Lincolnville was seated near
the edge of the precipice, nearly one thousand feet high, that
overlooks Lake Megunticook and the Turnpike, when one of the
party, a young girl some thirteen or fourteen years of age, the
daughter of Zadock French of Lincolnville Beach, in attempting
to gather some flowers at the edge of the cliff, was thrown forward
in rising and fell headlong to a rocky shelf several hundred feet
below. She was reached with difficulty and strange to say was
still living, with no bones broken, although terribly bruised and
unconscious. She was lashed to a plank and lowered from crag
to crag, taking several hours, and conveyed to the nearest house
where everything possible was done to save her life, but she died
that evening. A cross now marks the spot where she fell and the
precipice has since been known as " Maiden Cliff." ^
On Dec. 12, Hiram Bass was elected Town Treasurer to fill
the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Rawson.
This year a very old, prominent and respected citizen, Ben-
jamin Gushing, died. Mr. Gushing was bom in Hanover, Mass.,
in 1774. He was the son of Hon. Joseph Gushing, who was
Judge of Probate for Plymouth Gounty. Mr. Gushing came to
Camden in 1794 with his brother Joseph, and entered into trade
in the store vacated by John Dergen on the site of Carleton,
Pascal & Go's, store and subsequently built and occupied the
Hunt building.. After the death of Mr. Hathaway, he succeeded
to the office of (Postmaster which position he held for thirty years.
The salary of a Postmaster in this town was $6.00 per quarter and
at the time Mr. Gushing first became an incumbent of the office
the mail carrier used to arrive once a week at no particular hour of
the day and he was considered punctual if he anived at any time
during the appointed day. ^ Mr. Gushing married Miss Jane
1. See poem " The Mi Id of Megunticook '' by Geo. H. Cleveland,
2. The salary o£ the Postma'-ter of Camden is |3000 per year, besides
which the government pays the wages of seven clerks and there are three
mail can iers. The salary of the Camden Postmaster is larger than is paid
tlie Postmaster at Rockland and far exceeds that of any other Postmaster in
this vicinity,
384
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Eaton, daughter of Joseph Eaton, on Oct 21, 1800. While en-
gaged in trade he also carried on the shipbuilding business in
which he was concerned for many years. He was several times a
selectman of the town, and after the formation of the new State of
Maine, he went to Portland as Representative to the Legislature,
for one term. He was also a Justice of the Peace. As the most
Benjamin C\islriing'
prominent business man of the town he went on board the
" Furieuse" with the first selectm'an, Robert Chase, as a hostage,
in 1814, as has already been related. Mr. Gushing was one of the
most influential of our early citizens and was a man of wealth and
character. He was also influential as a Mason and was one of
the charter members of Amity Lodge and its first Senior
THE WAR DEBT 385
Deacon. Mr. Cushing's residence was situated on Chestnut
street, and was built by him. The house in later years
has been better known as the "James Seward House" and
is now owned by Mrs. Sallie H. Henry. Mr. Gushing had
the physique and rugged constitution of many of our early
settlers and Uved to the great age of 90 years and 6 months.
Benjamin and Jane Gushing were the parents of five daughters,
viz: Eliza, JuUa (who married Frederick Jacobs), Adeline (who
married Samuel G. Adams), Sarah (who married Ralph Johnson)
and Lucy.
18(35. There was no change in the board of Selectmen
elected at the annual meeting held this year on March 13, the
old board being elected. E. T. G. Rawson was the Town Glerk
elected and Hiram Bass the Treasurer.
It was voted that the Selectmen and Treasurer call in all out-
standing war debts and issue bonds therefor payable in six years,
.for an amount not exceeding fifty thousand dollars.
It was also voted " To pay persons, who, by private subscrip-
tion gave bounties to volunteers who were mustered into the ser-
vice of the United States in the Second Maine Battery, in 1861,
and Twenty-sixth Maine Regiment in 1862, and credited upon
the quota of Camden, upon satisfactory proof being presented to
the Selectmen of the amount so subscribed and paid, the sum of
five thousand dollars, to be raised by assessment."
Provision was made for paying out of the " War Loan" the
sum of twenty-three hundred dollars, to those furnishing sub-
stitutes under the draft of Aug. 6, 1863; for paying "the sub-
scription loan" so called ($4100) ; to provide for the families of
soldiers in the United States service ($3000) ; and to pay each
volunteer under the call of Dec. 19, 1864, the sum of $100, in
addition to what the town voted on the meeting of Dec. 12,1864,
and that the same sum be also paid to drafted men.
At this meeting the town first voted to purchase a safe, the
sum of $200 bemg appropriated for that purpose.
386 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
The town went still further at a meeting called on March 29,
and voted to pay " Each principal or drafted man who shall here-
after put in a substitute to fill the quota under the call of the
President of Dec. 19, 1864, a sum sufficient' to make the bounty
four hundred and seventy-five dollars for three years, and three
hundred dollars for one or two years."
This year Samuel Cony was for the third time the Republican
candidate for governor, while the Democrats again nominated
Joseph Howard. Gov. Cony was re-elected by his usual large
majority. He received in Camden 341 votes, and Mr. Howard
received 231.
Abel Merriam, Republican, was elected Representative to
the Legislature receiving 303 votes while Wm. H. Washburn,
Democrat, received 255.
A town meeting was called Sept. 23, at which C. W. FoUans-
bee was elected Town Clerk to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of E. T. G. Rawson, and Edward Freeman was elected-
First Selectman to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of
S. T. Cleveland.
At the same meeting the town again raised money by loan to
pay bounties. This loan was to be negotiated on notes of the
town, for bounties due Aug. 19, preceding, and was not to
exceed $10,000.
At this period the war debt of the town had mounted to the
enormous sum of $90,000.
Mark Bucklin died this year. Mr. Bucklin was the son of
Barak Bucklin, one of the earliest of the town's settlers. Barak
came from Rhode Island, to Camden about 1771, and settled in
the southern part of the town. He married Ruth, sister of Will-
iam Porterfield. Mark was bom in Camden, 1791. He married
Hannah Merrill of Bristol, Maine, and lived on the farm next to
the Merrill place. He took part in the war of 1812 and was a
pensioner of that war. He was one of the teamsters who went
across the country to Portland with goods taken from the captured
THE WAR DEBT 387
British vessel at Camden during that war. He was 74 years of
age at the time of his death. His children were Bethana (who
married Capt. James Wallace), Edward, Wilson, Horace and
Austin, (all sea captains who settled at Rockland), Georgia (who
married Otis A. Fish) and Clara.
Capt. John Glover died this year on March S, at the age of
76 years. Capt. Glover was bom in Framingham, Mass., and
when two years of age came to North Haven, Maine, where he
lived until 1840, when he removed to Camden purchasing the
farm on the Belfast Road now known as " Sagamore Farm."
Capt. Glover was for many years a successful ship-master, com-
manding many large vessels in the days when the American mer-
chant marine was at its zenith. Capt. Glover was a prominent
Mason joining Amity Lodge during his residence at North Haven,
and was its twentieth Master, serving in that capacity in 1848 and
in 1860. He was District Deputy Grand Master in 1865 and
1866. Capt. Glover married Martha White, daughter of Maj.
Gen. George White, of the Revolutionary War, by whom he had
eight children, viz : Thomas, Mary (who married Rev. W. 0.
Thomas), Sarah (who married Ben]. Gushing, 2d), John W.,
Martha W., (who married Dr. H. B. Eaton), James R., George
W. Clara F. For his second wife he married Susan Walker, and
for his third wife, Mrs. Sarah Graftam. His son, Capt. John W.
Glover who was bom in 1821, was one of the most successful
master mariners of the day, commanding many notable vessels
snd sailing on long voyages to all parts of the globe. He died
in 1863, at the age of 42 years, of cholera, at Calcutta. He
married Sarah C, daughter of Joseph Stetson, and the children
born were three, William F., Charles B., and Joseph S.
Simon Hunt who died June 20, 1865, was one of the many
young men, who, at about the beginmg of the 19th Century,
came to Camden from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and
who seemed, for a time to contradict the familiar saying that
" Westward the Star of Empire takes its way." Mr. Hunt was
388 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
born in Concord, Mass., Oct. 11, 1784, within sight of the sacred
spot where the embattled farmers stood," when they fired the
shots on that famous bridge that gave the first check to British
tyranny, and opened the way for the establishment of American
liberty. He came to Camden in 1806 and established himself
here as a manufacturer of harnesses and saddles. This business is
still continued in the family name, thus rounding out a full cen-
tury. The quiet of his life was disturbed during the war of 1812,
when, with several other young men as he was sailing in the bay
to get a nearer view of the hostile English fleet, he was taken
prisoner and carried to Castine where he was held " in durance
vile " for several days. For this forced service to his country he
received a pension in laiter years. In 1818, Mr. Hunt married
Hannah Bradford, daughter of Capt. Thomas and Hannah Rogers.
Her father was for some years in charge of the shipyard of Gen.
Knox at Thomaston, thus giving her opportunities of visiting the
home of Madam Knox. Being gifted in conversation her recol-
lections of those visits were full of interest and seemed to take one
back into the very atmosphere of Washington and the days of the
Revolution. After Mr. Hunt's marriage he at once established a
home in the residence on Elm street now occupied by his daugh-
ter, Mrs. Hannah R. Locke. Mr. Hunt had a quiet and unos-
tentatious life always controlled by a strong sense of justice united
with a keen sense of humor, which, undiminished in advancing
years, kept him in touch with young and old. He was a con-
stant attendant upon church service throughout his life and was
throughly imbued with the good old fashioned ideas of moral
rectitude and business integrity. The children of Simon and
Hannah Hunt were Thomas H., Simon, Hannah R., (who
married John L. Locke) and Abel.
THE DAWN OF PEACE 389
CHAPTER XLVII.
The Dawn of Peace.
1865. At the beginning of this year the war of the Re-
bellion was still in full swing and it looked as though it might
take a long time yet to subdue the South. In December, 1864,
the President had issued a call for more soldiers, and in response
to the same the following Camden men enlisted in the early part
of 1865 : Cornelius T. Hosmer, Walter Millay, Jeremiah Nutt,
John Studley, Ambrose P. Upham, Benj. C. Vannah, Charles E.
Welch, Benj. F. Arey, Amos Davis and Nathaniel Libby. These
men belonged to what was at first styled " unassigned infantry "
but were afterwards a part of Co. F. of the Twelfth Regiment.
Sanford G. Parker of Camden also joined the Fifteenth Regiment.
Camden was well represented in the Navy. In addition to
the names already given Camden furnished for the Navy during
the last half of the war the following : Charles Anderson, Maurice
Alvis, Simeon Y. Butler, Joseph Brown, Leon Brummell, Charles
F. Blackington, Joseph Brown, Alford Crockett, Charles E. Clark,
William Coniston, Henry 0. Davis, Oliver Davis, Thomas Edwards,
Lawrence Furgerson, Charles Fox, John Fletcher, Eben F. Gray,
John F. Grant, David .H. Hall, James R. Howard, Albert A.
Hartford, Antone Joseph, Thomas Kelley, Henry Lilling, Thomas
McDonald, Miles G. Miller, William Miles, Charles Nelson,
Joseph Pierce, John Pride, John Ryan, Francis Redman, Thomas
Redman, Joseph F. Stetson, John Sawyer, John G. Sinclair,
390 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Charles A. Stockwell, Alvin F. Tolman, George Turner, William
H. Thomdike, Patrick Welch, John H. Williams, William T.
Crocker, and Charles A. Warren, ^ besides some not mentioned
here who were, during the war, transferred from the Army to
the Navy. Of these men Joseph F. Stetson held the rank of
Ensign serving until the end of the war and resigning his com-
mission in July, 1865.
During the winter of 1865, Gen. Sherman, who had split the
Confederacy asunder by his famous march ' ' from Atlanta to the
sea", was thundering north towards Richmond, while Grant lay
quietly in Virginia holding the army of Lee and preventing it
from moving to the assistance of Johnston in North Carolina, in
an attempt to crush Sherman, and every week tightening his grip
upon the throat of the now desperate Confederacy.
On April 1, Grant ordered all his guns, in front of Peters-
burg, to open upon the enemy's works and the city, and the
next day the Union infantry assailed and earned some of the
works. Lee saw that the prospect of holding on longer was hope-
less, and after telegraphing to Jefferson Davis to evacuate Rich-
mond, attempted to make his escape. Richmond fell, and Lee
after making a last desperate charge in a final attempt to break
through the Union lines, surrendered at Appomattox on April 9,
and the long and bloody war was over. " The Last Act " in the
drama of the Rebellion was performed by the gallant hero of
Little Round Top, Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain, who was selected
to command the detachment of Union troops to be marshalled
1. Some of these names are unfamiliar to Camden people and were sub-
stitutes coming from other towns and not residents of Camden. In a few
cases the same is true of substitutes for drafted men in the army. Among
the army substitutes whose names have not been mentioned — some of whom
were Camden men and some not — were, John K. Gordon, "William Metcalf ,
Edward York, Esbun E. Weed and Lora A. Nesblt, who entered the service
in 1863 ; Daniel R. Williams, Joseph Bishop, Win. McLaughlin, Chas. E.
Eodgers, Charles Crosby, Philander Dodge, Llewellyn Keller, Wm. Green,
Edward D. Redman, Samuel R. Stevens and Henry S. Simmons, in 1864;
Joseph E. Clough and Charles Boulden, in 1865. There may be others not
mentioned. We have endeavored to mention all, as we have been able to
collate them from variotis reports of the Adjutant General and other sources.
THE DAWN OF PEACE 391
in the military function of receiving in proper parade, the sur-
render of the enemy's arms and colors from the hands of those
who carried them. Chamberlain called for his old brigade for
this special duty, composed in part of the Twentieth Maine
Regiment, and the First Maine Sharpshooters. It took all day
to perform this ceremony, and when it was completed the duty
of the Army of the Potomac was ended and peace was fully
assured.
The various regiments then proceeded to Washington where
on May 23, took place the grand review of the Army of the
Potomac after which the most of the Maine troops returned to
their homes amid great rejoicing. The Second Batte.ry and
Nineteenth Regiment came in June, the Sixth Battery and
Twentieth Regiment in July and the First Cavahy in August.
The Eighth Regiment, camped at Richmond until August, when
it was ordered to Manchester where and at Fortress Monroe it
remained until June 18, 1866, when it was mustered out of the
United States service, and proceeded to Augusta where its mem-
bers were discharged. The new companies of the Twelfth Regi-
ment remained on duty at Savannah until the expiration of the
term of service of the " one year men" in February and March,
1866, when they were discharged. The "two and three years
men," continued on duty until April 18 following, when the .
whole battalion was mustered out and allowed to return to Maine.
We have briefly followed, as best we could, the Camden
soldiers through the Great Rebellion. The rejoicing in Camden,
" When the boys came marching home; " the joy of families re-
united; the happiness at the long looked for home coming of
father, brother, husband, son and sweetheart; the exultation of the
pubUc heart, mingled with sorrow for the great loss sustained
from those citizens who could never more return; ^ are well re-
1. So far as we have been able to ascertain, Camcleii, had 19 men killed
in bittle and 43 who dif d of wounds and disease, making 62 Camden soldiers
and sailors to give up their lives In the great rebellion. They were as
follows : Killed : Wm. C. Arey, 6th Battery, at Cedar Mountain ; Geo. S.
392 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
membered by our older people. Maine had a right to rejoice.
The Union was preserved. Our RepubHcan government was
vindicated. The starry banner of freedom floated in undisputed
supremacy from Canada to the Gulf. And in bringing about this
great result Maine had performed a grand and noble part. Not a
flag was lost throughout the war by Maine troops. No braver or
better soldiers and sailors fought on either side than those from
Maine. So rightly Maine rejoiced, and so rightly all the great
North rejoiced; and the great South — although then cast down —
now, its wounds healed by time, equally rejoices over an un-
Cobb, 19th Regt., at Petersburg, Oct. 17, 1864 ; Albert B. Currier, Gunboat
JSiOkson, at Mobile ; John F. Carey, 19th Regt., at Gettysburg ; Prince A.
Dunton,-13th Mass., at Gettysburg ; Henry Bwell, Jr , 26th Regt., at Irish
Bend ; Geo. W. Gregory. 1st Cav.Regt., near Diiiwiddie Court House ; George
G. Gardiner, Corporal, 4th Regt., Gettysburg; Harvey C. Joiee, 19th Regt;
Michael Kerons, 8th Kegt.; Francis M. Leach. 20th Regt.; John D. Leach,
20th Regt., Wilderness ; Charles A. Miller, 17 U. S. Inf., Gettysburg ; Samuel
J. Needham, 4th Regt., transferred to Navy and killed by explosion of boiler;
Henry T. Ogier, 8th Regt., transferred to Navy, killed at Fort Fisher by ex-
plosion of shell ; Manassah Spear, D. C. Cav., drowned in transport ; Thos. F.
Simpson, 2d Battery, Wilderness, by sharpshooters ; Geo. L. Simmons, D. C.
Cav., Reams' Station ; Albert E Sludley, 6th, Battery ; Frederick M. Veazie,
26th Regt. and 1st Cav., supposed drowned ; Joseph W. Wilson, 19th Regt.,
Gettysburg; Joseph Weed, 8tli Regt., Wilrierness.
The following are reported as dying in prison : Geo. W. Anderson, 4th
Regt., at Riohraond ; Dexter C. Calderwood, at Belle Isle; Wm J. Collins,
4th Regt., at Richmond ; Warren B. Thomdlke, 19th Regt.
The following as dying in hospital : Wilson Ames, 30tli Regt., Washington ;
. Frederick J. Currier. 6th Battery, Washington ; William Conway, Navy.
Brooklyn ; Francis French, 26th Begt., New Orleans ; Edward J. Hopkins,
26th Regt., New Orleans ; Geo. H. Prince, 26th Regt., and D. C. Cav.; Emery
S. Upham, 2d Battery.
The following as dying in Army : Horatio CoUamore ; Chas. L. Fletcher,
2d Battery ; Lewis Upham ; Frederick R. Estabrook,Asst. Surgeon 24th Regt.,
died at New Orleans.
Died of disease ; Dexter C. Andrews, 2d Battery ; Charles Andrews, 26th
Regt.; Franklin Achorn, 4th Regt.; Samuel Annis, 26th Regt.; Minot N.
Barnes, 26th Regt. ; Orrin P. Benner, 19th Regt. ; Micah Flagg, 19th Regt. ;
Geo. N.Farnham. 19th Regt.; Franklin Fish, 19th Regt. ; Wm. W. Flye, 17th
U.S. Inf.; WilfordB. Glover, 26 Regt.; David B. Hall, 7th Regt.; Isaac G.
Keller, 9th Regt. ; Leander Manchester, Navy; Oliver Metcalf, 8th Regt.;
Hartwell Melvin, 2d Battery ; Leander Mariner, 19th Regt.; Joseph Morton,
26th Regt. ; Wm. H. H. Simonton, 19th Regt. ; Wm. H. Shibles, 19th Regt. ;
Albert Tolman, New Orleans Regt.; Isaiah Tolman, 26th Regt.; John B.
Thomdlke, 15th Regt. ; George E. Thorndike, 26th Kegt.
THE DAWN OF PEACE 393
divided land, for
— " those opposed eyes,
Which, like the meteors of a trouhled heaven,
All of one natui e, of one substance hred,
DIM lately mHet in th' intestine shock,
Shall now, in mutual well-beseeming ranks
March all one way."
18(b(5. With the close of the war the business of the
town revived and the returned soldiers took up again their former
vocations. The town itself also seemed to have a revival of busi-
ness, a large number of new roads were laid out and other matters
that the absorbing events of the war had caused our citizens to
overlook, came up for adjustment.
At the annual town meeting held this year on March 12,
there were forty-nine articles in the warrant, the greatest number
upon which the town had ever been called to act. Many of
them related to new roads, a large number being accepted, while
a few were rejected. At this meeting C. W. Follansbee was
elected Town Clerk ; Edward Freeman, C. F. Richards and
Thomas Hemingway, Selectmen ; and Hiram Bass, Treasurer.
This meeting established the custom that has since obtained
to a considerable extent, of exempting new industries from taxa-
tion for a term of years as an encouragement to their estabUsh-
ment or continuance, by voting to exempt from taxation, for a
period of five years " The buildings, estabUshments, capital and
machinery of an Anchor factory and iron works therewith connect-
ed."
This year the Republicans nominated for governor the popu-
lar war hero. Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain, and the Democrats
the" Silver tongued orator of the Kennebec," Eben F. Pillsbury.
Gen. Chamberlain was elected by an overwhelming majority.
In Camden the vote stood as follows : Chamberlain, 413 ;
Pillsbury, 333. William H. Washburn of Camden was one of the
Democratic candidates for senator receiving 335 votes to 412 for
his opponent. As the Republicans carried the county, Mr. Wash-
394 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
bum was not elected.
James Perry, Republican, was elected Representative to the
Legislature, receiving 401 votes, while his Democratic opponent,
Nathaniel G. Gould, received 337, and Robert McLaughlin re-
ceived 1.
This year Keystone Chapter No. 24 of Royal Arch Masons,was
chartered by the Grand Chapter. The Charter is dated Aug. 7,
1866, and was signed by Josiah H. Drummond, Grand High
Priest and Ira Berry, Grand Secretary. The new Chapter was
organized Aug. 18, the following being the first officers ; Thad-
deus R. Simonton, High Priest ; James Perry, King ; Hosea B.
Eaton, Scribe ; J. W. Simonton, Secretary ; Elbridge G. Knight,
Treasurer ; P. J. Carleton, Capt. of the Host ; Fred E. Richards,
Principal Sojourner ; E. G. Knight, Royal Arch Captain ; Freder-
ick Conway, Master of 3d Vail ; Israel Decrow, Master of 2d Vail ;
John Wiley, Master of 1st Vail. This Chapter is still in active
operation and is one of the most flourishing of the Chapters of
the State. ^
Nathan Brown, an old an respected citizen, died Sept. 14,
1865, being but a few days short of 94 years of age. Mr. Brown
was another native of Concord, Mass., who in early life settled in
Camden. He was bom Sept. 26, 1771. He married Susanna
Barrett at Concord, Nov. 7, 1802. Mr. Brown's residence was
the house on Chestnut street now known as the Messer house.
Mr. Brown was much interested in town affairs and possessed the
esteem and confidence of his fellow townsmen. He served the
town as Treasurer and in other capacities. His children, were
Harriet (who married Joseph C. Stetson) Mary Ann (who manied
Joseph Jones) Susan and Louisa (who married Henry Barrett.)
18(57. The annual town meeting this year was held
March 18, at which the following officers were elected : Francis
H. Shaw, Town Clerk ; C. F. Richards, Andrew McCobb and
1. For a detailed history of Capitular Masonary in Camden, see Robin-
son's History of Keystone Chapter No. 24, R. A. M.
THE DAWN OF PEACE 39S
Thomas Hemingway, Selectmen and Hiram Bass, Treasurer.
This year, as in the meeting of the preceding year, many
new roads were voted upon and accepted.
The town instructed the selectmen to ascertain the amount
of the War Debt, with the view of presenting the same to the
State or the United States for adjustment,
A town meeting was called, June 3, to vote upon an Act of
the Legislature approved March 1, 1867, entitled "An Act,
additional to and amendatory of Chapter 33 to the Laws of 185 8
for the suppression of drinking houses and tippling shops." By
another act, approved at the same time, entitled " An Act to
ascertain the will of the people concerning the sale of intoxicating
Uquors," the people were called to vote upon the original act and
if a majority should vote " No " the same was to be considered
repealed. The Act was approved by the people and continued
the law. In Camden the vote was as follows : "Ballots with 'Yes'
written thereon, 95; ballots with 'No' written thereon, none."
This vote apparently shows the sentiment of the people of
Camden on the temperance question forty years ago. The vote
was small, but those opposing the law either through indifference
or some other cause did not register their votes.
Governor Chamberlain and Eben F. Pillsbury were again the
candidates of the Republican and Democratic parties respectively
in 1867. The vote was somewhat smaller than the year pre-
ceding and Gov. Chamberlain's majority was correspondingly
reduced but was ample.
In Camden, Chamberlain received 417 votes, and Pillsbury,
384.
Abel Merriam of Camden, was one of the Republican candi-
dates for senator, receiving 410 votes, but the Democrats, being
successful in Knox County senatorial elections, he was defeated.
Edwin C. Fletcher of Camden, was the Democratic candi-
date for Register of Deeds, and received a fine endorsement in
his own town, his vote being 407, against 396 for his opponent.
396 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Geo. W. White. Mr. Fletcher would have been elected by
about 300 majority but for the fact that some 400 ballotts were
cast for Edward C. Fletcher, which resulted in his being
counted out and Mr. White being declared elected.
For the first time for several years Camden elected a Demo-
cratic Representative to the Legislature, giving Philander J.
Carleton, 417 votes, and Thaddeus R. Simonton, the Republican
candidate, 390.
18(57. Camden village had now grown to be a large place
and it needs had greatly increased. Often it was unable to
obtain appropriations from the town for things that it really needed
and its people also, at times, felt that there would be impropriety
in asking the town to make assessments for things that it wanted.
That it might have a better opportunity to provide itself with
these things, its people petitioned the Legislature for a charter
for a Village Corporation, which was granted this year. The
first meeting of the Corporation was organized in accord-
ance with the provisions of the Charter, in March, 1867, at which
meeting Elbridge G. Knight, H. H. Cleveland and G. W. Thorn-
dike were elected the first board of Assessors. ^
1. For the act incorporating Camden Village Corporation, see Acts and
Resolves of 1867; Private and Special Laws, Chap. 266. The following are
assessors of the Corporation from 1868 to the present time. 1868-1870, N. C.
Fletcher, B. M. Wood, J. F. Stetson; 1871-1872, E. M. Wood, B. C. Adams, E. C.
Fletcher; 1873, E.M.Wood, G.W.Thornklke.F. H. Calderwood; 1874, K. C.
Fletcher, B. C. Gould, David pnowlton; 1875, D. H. Bishee, H. A. Mills, D.
W. KvisseU; 1876-1877, J. F. Hosmer, D. H. Blshee, D. W. Russell; 1878, L. P.
Harwood, Johnson Knight, L. W. Martin; 1879, L. P.Harwood, 0. Farnsworth,
L.W.Martin; 1880-1881, J. H.Montgomery, J. C. Curtis, John F. Tobin ; 1882,
D. H. Blsbee, D. W. Russell, W. W. Perry; 1883, Joshua Adams, C. T. Hosmer,
A. J Q. Knowlton; 1884, Isaac Coombs, A. J. Q. Knowlton, J. C. Curtis; 1886,
H. M. Bean, D. H. Blsbee, W. W. Perry; 1886, H. M. Bean, D. H. Blsbee, C. K.
Miller; 1887, E. F. Knowlton, A. Miller, Jr , E. R. Ogier; 1888, Isaac Coorabs, F.
G. Currier, F. O. Clark; 1889, W. V. Lane, E. R. Ogier, I. M. Strong; 1890, W. V.
Lane, E. R. Ogier, F. S. Sherman ; 1891, W. V. Lane, F. S. Shermin, W. R. Gill ;
1892-1898, W. V. Lane, W. R. Gill, L. M. Kenniston ; 1899-1900, W. R. Gill. L. M.
Kenniston, Geo. F. Wentworth; 1901-1903, W. R Gill, L. M. Kenniston, F. G.
Currier ; 1904-1906, T. A. Hunt, L. M. Kenniston, F. G. Currier.
THE CAMDEN HERALD 397
CHAPTER XLVIII.
The Camden Herald.
18(58, The annual town meeting was held March 16,
and the principal town officers elected were F. H. Shaw, Town
Clerk ; Ephraim M. Wood, Chas. F. Richards and Chas. A.
Sylvester, Selectmen ; Hiram Bass, Treasurer. It was voted to
build two engine houses, one for Camden village and one for
Rockport village.
Gov. Chamberlain and Eben F. Pillsbury, were this year, for
the third time, opposing gubernatorial candidates in the state
election, the governor being again elected by a large majority.
The Camden vote was as follows : Chamberlain, 454 ; Pillsbury,
440 ; showing that the Democrats had made large gains in town,
over their votes in former elections.
Nathaniel T. Talbot of Camden was again the RepubUcan
candidate for Judge of Probate, but his opponent, John C. Leven-
saler of Thomaston, was elected. The two candidates, in Camden,
had the same vote, 441 for each.
Edwin C. Fletcher of Camden was, this year, the Democratic
candidate for Register of Probate and was elected. He received,
in town, 456 votes, and his opponent, 435.
Thomas B. Grose of Camden, was the Democratic candidate
for sheriff and received in his own town, 448 votes, against 447
for his opponent. He was elected, the county showing that
strong Democratic tendency which has always characterized it, ex-
398 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
cept when some special issue causes it to turn to the Republican
party. ^
Philander J. Carleton, Democrat, was again elected Repre-
sentative to the Legislature, receiving 460 votes, while Cyrus G.
Bachelder received 439.
On the queston of the Constitutional Amendment the town
voted 8 1 " no " and none "yes." This proposed amendment
was to authorize the state to assume the municipal war debts, by
loaning its credit to the amount of $3,500,000. ^
It was about this time that the Pacific Engine Company was
organized at Rockport. Capt. Thomas Amsbury was elected
Chief of the Company. We have not the early records and have
but little knowledge of the early history of the Company. They
possessed a hand tub and were an efficient organization. Some
years later the present engine was purchased and the old Pacific
went to West Camden where another Engine Company was
organized. The Company at Rockport then took the name of
G. F. Burgess Engine Company in honor of Hon. Gershom F.
Burgess. This Company today is one of the best in this locality.
The town clock was this year put in the steeple of the
Baptist church at Camden village at a cost of $475. This money
was raised by private subscription, chiefly through the efforts of
David Knowlton. The original subscription paper is now in the
possession of Mr. W. D. Knowlton and contains over one hundred
signatures familiar forty years ago- The amounts subscribed range
from 125 to $1.
This year, in October, died Capt. John Gregory, a venerable
and respected citizen, at the age of 99 years and 3 months. Mr.
Gregory lived in the southern part of the town on the road from
the Glen Cove school-house to Blackington's Comer. He was a
farmer and lime manufacturer. He received his title from having
1. So close has the County election teen at times that for m&ny years
there was nearly an equal division in the election of County officers, a part
of them being EepuWicans and the rest Democrats.
2. This Amendment was adopted.
THE CAMDEN HERALD 399
served as captain in tlie militia. He was the son of William
Gregory and was bom in Thomaston shortly before his father
moved to Camden. His long life was passed in Camden, where
he possessed the highest regard of all his fellow townsmen. Mr.
Gregory married Elizabeth Simonton and their nine children were,
Mary S., (who married Ebenezer Cleveland), Frances A., (who
married Jeremiah Berry), William, Clarissa, (who married John
Bird), John, Jr., Celinda, (who married Michael Achom), P.
Hanson, Hiram and Isaac.
1 8 (o9 . F. H. Shaw was again elected Town Clerk and Hiram
Bass Treasurer, at the annual town meeting held March IS.
The selectmen elected were, E. M. Wood, G. F. Burgess and
E. F. Leach.
It was voted that the Treasurer be instructed to receive
amount reimbursed by the State on account of Bounties paid by
the town during the late war in State Bonds, and apply the same
to the liquidation of the war debt." ^
This year Gen. Chamberlain was for the fourth time nomi-
nated for governor by the Republicans, and elected. His
Democratic opponent this year was Franklin Smith. For the
first time since 1862, there were three gubernatorial candidates
in the field. A Temperance party this year made its appearance
and nominated N. G. Hichbom, who received 4,735 votes. In
Camden Gov. Chamberlain received, 356 votes; Mr. Smith, 349
and Mr. Hichborn, 28.
Philander J. Carleton of Camden was one of the Democratic
candidates for senator and was elected. His vote in Camden was
417, against 321 for his opponent.
Isaac W. Sherman, Democrat, received 382 votes for Repre-
sentative to the Legislature and was elected. His competitor for
that office, Edward F. Leach received 357 votes.
In 1869, was published the first volume of The Camden
1. Under this vote $22,791.66 was received from the state In State of Maine
six per cent, bonds reducing the town debt to less than S60,000
400 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Herald, a newspaper that has since flourished and proved a
most valuable institution of the town. It was published at first
by William H. Berry, who during the year sold out to D. L.
Crandall, who, with Wm. H. Twombly as editor, continued its
pubUcation. In 1870, Mr. Twombly purchased Mr. Crandall's
interest in the paper and continued to pubHsh it alone. ^
This year began an agitation in favor of a railroad from
Rockland to Bangor to be known as the Penobscot Bay & River
R. R. In July a meeting of those interested in the project, was
held at Belfast, at which a large delegation of Camden people
was in attendance. A survey was made which was completed in
November. From this time for a period of several years the
railroad question was one of the principal themes of discussion
with our people. Many meetings were held, which were largely
attended and speeches were made by our citizens. At one time
it was hoped that if the whole line could not be constructed at
once, the link between Camden and Rockland might, at least, be
completed so as to connect this town with the Knox & Lincoln
R. R., that was then in process of construction. Our people
again had dreams of the iron horse meandering among our hills
and felt confident that soon they would be connected with the
outside world by a steam railroad. These dreams, however,
like many similar ones, our people never realized, as the
Penobscot Bay & River road was never constucted.
1870. At the beginning of another decade, the popula-
tion of Camden showed a slight falling oft, the census showing
the same to be 4512, a loss of 76 since 1860. The number of
poll tax payers in town, however,had increased from 927 in 1860,
to 1129 in 1870, and the valuation from $1,062,228 in the
former year to 11,497,631 in the latter.
5. Mr. Twombly pxiblished the Hebald until Sept. 1872, when the Dunton
Bros., (Auhrey W. and Ahner F.) became its proprietors. They continued its
publication until Jan. 1, 1874, when it again changed hands and Wilder W.
Perry owned and edited it until 1883, when the Camden Publishing Co.
was organized which still publishes the Hebald. Since that date its editors
have been T. K. Slmonton, D. F. Mills, Reuel Koblnsnn and Jesse H. Ogier.
THE CAMDEN HERALD 401
At the annual town meeting held March 14, the town clerk,
selectmen and treasurer elected were as follow's : J. H. Martin,
Town Clerk ; E. M. Wood, A. S. Eells and E. F. Leach, Select-
men and Hiram Bass, Treasurer.
The following amounts were raised this year for the various
municipal purposes : For support of poor, $3000 ; for roads and
bridges (to be expended in money), $1000 ; for roads and
bridges (to be expended in labor "at one shilling per hour"),
$8000 ; for breaking road's, $300 ; for incidental expenses, $1400 ;
for expense of fire department, $100; for town debt, $5000; for
interest on town debt, $5000; total $23,800.
It was voted, as an encouragement to the establishment of
new industries, to exempt from taxation for a period of five years
any concern that would invest not less than $5000 here in any
branch of manufactures not then carried on in town.
Sidney Perham, Republican, and Charles W. Roberts, Demo-
crat, were the state gubernatorial candidates for the year 1870.
The Temperance party dropped out of existence, its members
preferring to cast .their votes for Mr. Perham, who was elected.
In Camden the balance still tipped a little towards the Re-
publican end of the beam, Mr. Perham receiving 393 votes and
Mr. Roberts 379.
Philander J. Carleton of Camden had been nominated by the
Democrats of the district as their candidate for Representative to
Congress, his opponent being Eugene Hale. Mr. Carleton
received a good endorsement in his own town, running well ahead
of his party ticket. He received 429 votes, and Mr. Hale 349.
Mr. Hale, however, was elected.
Thomas B. Grose of Camden, Democrat, was again elected
sheriff. He received in Camden, 400 votes, his opponent receiv-
ing 358.
Edward Cushing, Democrat, was elected Camden's Repre-
sentative to the Legislature. The vote was : Cushing, 399,
Enoch C. Moody, 377.
402 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
At a meeting held Nov. 19, the town voted to loan its credit
to the amount of ten per cent, of its valuation, for the purpose of build-
ing the Penobscot Bay & River R. R., from Camden to Rockland,
the town receiving mortgage security on the road so built, provided
a sufficient sum could be raised from other sources to complete
the road between the two places. The vote stood 387 in favor
Of the proposition and 103 against it. E. G. Knight, T. R.
Simonton and P. J. Carleton were made a committee to attend to
getting the action of the town legalized by the Legislature.
The Camden Savings Bank was organized at Rockport
village in October of this year, S. D. Carleton was elected its
President and Charles F. Richards its Treasurer.
In the month of October our people were disturbed by a
slight earthquake shock.
On April 13, an old resident of the western part of the town,
Stephen Barrows, died at his home in Rockville at the age of
80 years. Mr. Barrows was the son of Banajah Barrows and was
bom in Camden. His father, who was one of the first settlers in
that part of the town, was a native of Attleboro, Mass., and after
coming here was prominent as a citizen and held many town
offices. He transmitted to his son, Stephen, his interest in
town affairs, and he in turn became a prominent citizen, occupy-
ing for quite a number of years the offices of Town Clerk and
Selectman. He was also a Justice of the Peace and represented
the town in the State Legislature in 1840. While at Augusta he
was elected Assistant Clerk of the House. For a time he also
served as one of the Inspectors of the State Prison. He was a
farmer, and was throughout his life distinguished for his industry
and integrity of character- He had three sons, William, Oilman
S., and Benjamin.
1871. This year the annual town meeting was held on
March 13, at which J. H. Martin was elected Town Clerk,
Joseph F. Stetson, Joseph W. Thorndike and Ezekiel Vinal,
Selectmen and Hiram Bass, Treasurer.
THE CAMDEN HERALD 403
Sidney Perham was this year again nominated and elected
governor, the Democratic candidate being Charles P. Kimball.
Camden, for many years a Republican town, this year became
Democratic, giving Gov. Perham but 357 votes while it gave Mr.
Kimball 414.
Isaac Coombs, Democrat, was elected Representative to the
Legislature over Augustine F. Miller, the Republican candidate
the vote standing. Coombs 411, Miller 363.
Twombly Lodge, I. 0. G. T., was organized, May 12, 1870,
and was named for the editor of The Camden Herald
William H. Twombly, a strong advocate of Temperance. The
first officers elected were as follows : Rev. Geo. A. Crawford, W.
a T.; Lizzie F. Gould, W. V. T.; Jos. E.Thomas, W. Sec;
Johnson Knight, W. F. S.; Geo. W. Thomdike, W. T.; Rev.
L. L. Hanscom, W. Chap.; E. G. Fuller, P. W. C. T.; A. 0.
Glover, W. M.; Miss Theresa M. Philbrook, W. I. G.; D. A.
Wheeler, W. 0. G.; Miss Nellie Wood, W. R. H. S.; Miss
Lizzie Boardman, W. L. H. S.; Miss Carrie Hemingway, W. D.
M.; Mrs. A. C. Bowers, W. Asst. Sec. ^
The Knox & Lincoln R. R., was opened to Rockland about
Nov. 1, 1871, after which regular stage coaches ran between
Camden and Rockport villages and the railroad station in Rock-
land twice each way every day.
Charles H. Wetherbee died March 4, 1871. Mr. Wether-
bee was bom in New Braintree, Mass., Jan. 25, 1795, and came
to Wanen, Maine, when 17 years of age and learned the shoe-
makers trade of his uncle. At the age of 21 years he came to
Camden and went into business for himself in a building on the
site of the G. A. R. Hall. For quite a long time he had for a
partner his brother-in-law, James Bird. He sold his business in
1. Twombly Lodge floui-lshed for quite a long period when it began to
decline and went out of existence in November, 1896. Since then there have
been several attempts to maintain a Good Templars' Lodge in town. At the
present time there is no Good Templars' organization in either Camden or
Rockport.
404 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
1852 to Charles Hosmer. In 1836, Mr. Wetherbee built the
house on Mechanic street now owned by Mrs. Clara E. Wether-
bee. He was prominent in town affairs, being selectman, etc.
He married for his first wife, Lucretia D. Bird of Wanen,
and for his second wife, Sarah A. B'ird, sister of his first wife. His
children, all by his first wife, were Charles B., Martha N., (who
married Robert Davis), James B., Elizabeth W., (who married
Edward Cuphing), Alexander B., Mary L., (who married Paul
Stevens), Isaac F., and Leroy B.
James Bird, above mentioned, was the son of Alexander
Bird. He was bom in Warren, in 1798, and was the ancestor of
the present Camden family of that name, who spell the name
Burd." James *as a shoemaker by trade and worked at his
trade in Camden, and was an overseer in the shoe-shop of the
State Prison for several years. He built the house on Elm street,
now owned by his son, Chailes Burd. Mr. Bird married Mary
Jane, daughter of Robert Chase, and their children are Mary
Elizabeth (who married John Day), Robert S., George, Sarah C,
(who married C. C. Haskell), Frances (who married B. F. Adams),
Samuel, Anne (who married Daniel Wing), and Charles. Mr.
Bird died, 1857.
Benj. J. Porter died Sept. 12, 1871, at the age of 67 years
and 6 months. Mr. Porter was the son of Dr. Benj. J. Porter
and was bom in 1804. He was a man of much executive ability
which was frequently called into requisition by his fellow towns-
men. He held various town ofRces and was Postmaster of Cam-
den from 1853 to 1861. Mr. Porter married Arathusa, daughter
of Phineas Bowers. They were the parents of seventeen children,
thre,e of whom died in infancy. The other fourteen are as
follows: Phineas B.,William,Albert,Cyrus,John,Henry,Eben,Mary,
(who married Charles Noyes), Ellen, (who married Frank Milli-
ken), Harriet, (who married Isaac Thomas), Maria T., (who
married James Brown), Octavia, (who married Dr. Perly Sanborn),
Augusta and Arathusa.
THE CAMDEN HERALD 405
Capt. Rufus Carle died in 1871, at the age of 84. He
came to Camden from Saco, Maine, about 1794 with his father,
Joseph Carle, whose wife was Margre Deering, of Kennebunk.
Their other children were Rhoda, who married Wm. Hilt, Stephen,
died in Ohio, William, died at sea in West Indies, John, married
Sally Wright, drowned in Sheepscot, James, married first, Elonia
Wright, second, Hannah Wright, Nehemiah and Margre. Joseph
died in 1839, aged 85, his wife in 1847 aged 92. Rufus Carle
married Anna, daughter of Lieut, James Lawrence, Jr., who came
from Pepperell, Mass., and married Sarah, daughter of James and
Anna Simonton. Mr. Lawrence lived for a time in the Clay
house, where the Methodist church now stands. Being a miller,
he later had charge of the Molyneaux mill. In 1804, he bought
of Charles Barrett the place now known as the Carle farm, which
then included the farm adjoining (now owned by Wm. Brown),
that place having soon been sold to his wife's brother, John
Simonton, and recently burned, it having stood upwards of 90
years and been occupied by twelve different families and about
58 people. There has been but one death there, that of Mr. Has-
kell, several years ago. Mr. Lawrence built a log house near the
present Carle house, which was built by Rufus Carle in 1818.
Mr. Lawrence was nearly 93 and his wife nearly 94 when they
died. Rufus Carle, followed the sea for awhile, then returned to
his farm. His children were James L., Sarah L., Marcia, Mary
A., Rufus, Sophia B., Betsy H. James Carle's children were,
by his first wife, John ; by his second wife, Otis, Amos, Jonas,
George.
406 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER XLIX.
DEATH OF Prominent Citizens.
1872. At the annual town meeting held March 11, the
Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer elected in 1871 were re-
elected.
As illustrative of the town's continued liberality to new in-
dustries, it was again voted to exempt from taxation, for a period
of ten years, any new industy that might locate here.
Sidney Perham and Charles P. Kimball were ^igain the
gubernatorial candidates this year, the former being re-elected.
Camden came back to the Republican fold this year by
giving Gov. Perham, 455 votes and Mr. Kimball, 442.
Ephriam M. Wood of Camden, Republican, was this year a
candidate for Judge of Probate and was elected. His vote in
Camden was 461, while his opponent, Judge Levensaler received,
430.
Thomas B. Grose was again a candidate for sheriff receiving
in Camden, 402 votes. Isaac Hobbs, Republican, received, 453
votes here for the same ofHce. Mr. Hobbs was elected.
Fred E. Richards, Republican, was elected Representative
to the Legislature, receiving, 537 votes, to 367 for Isaac Coombs.
In November, Camden gave the RepubUcan candidates for
presidential electors, 376 votes and the Democratic candidates,
161 votes.
Our most prosperous industry, the Knox Woolen Company,
PROMINENT CITIZENS 407
had its birth in 1872, in the organization of the corporation of
that name, with the following ofHcers : Henry Knight, President ;
Albert Johnson, Treas.; H. G. Fuller, Clerk ; Andrew Fuller,
Supt.; Henry Knight, Albert Johnson, Andrew Fuller, Charles
Newcomb and H. E. Alden, Directors. This Corporation took
over the factory and business of Johnson, Fuller & Co.
The year 1872 is distinguished by the death of several
prominent citizens of the town, among them being Hon.
Horatio Alden, Oilman S. Barrows, Deacon Joseph Stetson, Capt.
Samuel G. Adams and Hon. Ephriam K. Smart.
Hon. Horatio Alden, was bom in Union, Maine, in the year
1800. He was the son of Ebenezer and Patience Alden, who
came from Duxbury, Mass., and settled in Union in 1792.
The subject of this sketch, who in many respects might appro-
priately be styled, the "Father of Camden's Manufacturing In-
dustries," went to Thomaston in 1825 and started a business of
cloth-dressing and wool-carding. He also started there the first
manufacture of oakum by machinery in this country. It is
said that he and a man by the name of Allen built the first woolen
factory in Warren. In 1842, the water powers in Camden, now
used by Knowlton Bros., and the Oakum factory, was owned by
Gen. Amos H. Hodgman, and Mr. Alden not having sufficient
power in Thomaston to operate his difierent manufactories, ex-
changed his Warren property for the Hodgman privileges on
Megunticook river and moved his machinery to Camden that year.
Here he continued the manufacture of oakum and at about the
same time associated himself with Cyrus G. Bachelder, under the
firm name of H. Alden & Co. This firm built the block manu-
factory which was destroyed by fire in 1861, employing some
forty workmen. In 1862, Mr. Alden purchased the privilege
below the Oakum Mill, known as the " James Richards privilege,"
and at that time used for running a grist and saw mill, and erected
one of the buildings now occupied by the Knox Woolen Co. and
in company with Albert Johnson manufactured the first paper-
408 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
makers' endless felts manufactured in this country. He also
owned the power at the " Bakery Bridge" and at one time was
interested in a bakery there. He also assisted in financing the
Camden Anchor Works, where that industry was started by his
sons, H. E. and W. G. Alden. In his various business enter-
prises Mr. Alden displayed great executive ability and was em-
Horatio Alden.
inently successful, amassing what was then considered a hand-
some fortune. Mr. Alden was interested in politics and when
Knox County was organized he was elected its first Judge of
Probate in 1861, serving one term of four years. Mr. Alden
married twice, both of his wives being the daughters of Nathan
Bachelder. His first wife was Sarah Bachelder and the children
PROMINENT CITIZENS 409
of that marriage were, John, Salina, (who manied Asa Andrews),
Nathaniel, Caroline, Cjttus G., and Horatio E. His second wife
was Polly G. Bachelder, and the children of that marriage were,
Ben]. H. B., William G., Henry L., and Sarah B., (who married
Ben]. C. Adams.)
Gilman S. Barrows died at Rockville, April 29. Mr.
Barrows was a farmer by occupation and a man of great intelli-
gence. He was the son of Stephen Barrows, and like his father,
held many town offices, performing his official duties in a most
creditable and satisfactory manner. In 1856, he represented the
town in the Legislature. Mr. Barrows married Fidelia Tyler. Their
children are Rose, (who married Leander Keene) , Banajah, Alden,
and Nellie, (who marreid John Clough).
Deacon Joseph Stetson died May 8, 1872, at the age of 80
years. Deacon Stetson was the son of Micah Stetson and was
bornin Scituate, Mass., in 1792. ^ He was a direct descendant of
John and PriScilla Alden through their daughter, Ruth. He
came hither in January, 1813, but returned to his native town the
following December, and later went into the navy yard at Charles-
town where he worked at his trade, that of a ship-carpenter. In
February, 1814, he went to Lake Champlain and there followed
his trade during the building of the American fleet which after-
wards composed Commodore McDonough's squadron which did
such execution to the British fleet, commanded by Commodore
Downie in the battle of Sept. 11, 1814. One of the American
vessels was built in twenty days from trees growing near the shore
of the Lake. After the war vessels were lauhched, Mr. Stetson
returned to Massachusetts, and in June, 1815, again came to
Camden, where he became a permanent resident. He worked
with Capt. Noah Brooks until 1816, when he married Mary,
daughter of William and Lucy Eaton, and the same year began
the ship-building business on his own account. In 1819
1. For a genealogical register ol the Stetsons, see Barry's "Records of
the Stetson Family;" also History of Hanover, pp. 378- 84.
410 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
he was chosen Captain of the Camden Light Infantry Company
which position he held for several years. Mr. Stetson was a strong
Whig in politics but was not an aspirant for public office. Never-
theless his party several times nominated him for the Legislature,
and he was elected Representative in 1844. Mr.Stetson superin-
tended, as master, the building of something like 70 sail of
vessels ranging from 47 to 1200 tons burden, the latter sized
vessels being very large ones in those days. He was for forty-
two years, a member of the Congregational church of which he
was for many years a deacon. He was early an advocate of
temperance, and at once changed the usual " grog " supplied to
his men in the ship-yard, to strong coffee, having an immense
coffee pot made for that particular purpose. This cofiee pot
under the name of " The General" is still preserved by his chil-
dren and often does service in supplying coffee for large Con-
gregational and other social gatherings. Joseph and Mary Stet-
son were the parents of ten children, viz : Mary E. (who married
Alexander Thomdike) Sarah C. (who married John W. Glover)
Lucy W. (who married Thomas Glover) William M., Jane C.
(who married Charles Hosmer) A. Augusta, Joseph F., Henrietta
and Elizabeth H.
Hon. Ephraim K. Smart who died, Sept. 29, at the age of
59 years, was one of the ablest men that Camden has produced.
He was the son of Rev. E. K. Smart, a Methodist clergyman and
was bom in Prospect (now Searsport) in 1813. At the age of
eighteen his father died suddenly and shortly afterwards the
property left by his father was destroyed by fire leaving the sub-
ject of our sketch without property or friends to aid him. He
was determined, however, to obtain an education, and applied
himself diUgently to his studies at home, and afterwards for two
years, placed himself under the tuition of Dr. Holmes, of Win-
throp and then went for five terms to the Maine Weseylan Semi-
nary at Readfield. In 183S, he came to Camden and began the
study of law in the office of Hon. Jonathan Thayer and three years
PROMINENT CITIZENS
411
later was admitted to the bar. In 1838 he was appointed Post-
master of Camden. In 1841, at the age of twenty-eight years, he
was elected to the Maine Senate. In 1842, he was appointed Aid
de Camp to Gov. Fairfield with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
The same year he was re-elected to the Senate. In 1843,
he removed to Missouri and was admitted to the practice of law
Ephraim K.. Smart
in that state, as an Attorney and Counsellor at Law and Solicitor
in Chancery. The following year, however, he returned to Maine
and re-entered upon the practice of his profession in Camden.
In 1845, he was again appointed Postmaster of Camden. In
1847, he was elected to Congress by the Democratic party, and
was returned by them to his seat at the national Capitol in 1850.
412 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Col. Smart showed in Hs Congressional career, by the marked
ability with which he served his constituents, that they had not
overestimated his talents. Shortly after the expiration of his
second term of office, in 1853, he was appointed Collector of
Customs of the Belfast District and while acting in that capacity
he estabhshed the Maine Free Press jn 18S4, editing the same
with great vigor for about three years. At the end of his term of
office as Collector in 1858, he returned to the practice of law in
Camden in company with Thaddeus R. Simonton, Esq., who
had shortly before been admitted to the bar. In 1859, .he was
elected to the Maine House of Representatives, the main issue
upon which he was elected being the formation of ' a new county
with Camden as the shire town. In 1860, he was the Democratic
candidate for Governor of Maine, but was defeated by Israel
Washburn, Jr. In 1862, he was elected to the Maine Senate on
a ticket nominated by men favoring the prosecution of the war
of the rebelUon. When in the House he had for a colleague the
Hon. James G. Blaine with whom he had many tilts in debate.
His abihty as a debater was recognized by Mr. Blaine, who once
said in speaking of his talent in that respect, that he was a most
dangerous opponent and exceedingly hard to defeat, remarking that
when his opponent thought that he had Mr. Smart down he
would "pull a skunk from under the fence and throw it at him."
He was again a candidate for the Legislature in 1862, but was
defeated by D. H. Bisbee. Later he owned and edited a spirited
campaign paper called the Bond Taxer and in 1868 owned and
edited the Biddeford Democrat, continuing in the mean time his
practice of law. Col. Smart married first, Sarah, daughter of
Judge Thayer, by' whom he had three children, Henry T.,
William R., and Mary S. In 1866 he married for his second wife
Rebecca K., also daughter of Judge Thayer. Of his children,
Mary S., now principal of the DeLancey School, Geneva, N. ■ Yj,
is the only survivor.
Few men have filled so large a place in this community, as
PROMINENT CITIZENS '413
did Capt. Samuel G. Adams, who died Dec. 2, 1872. Capt.
Adams was the son of Joshua Adams who was one of the early
settlers at Owl's Head, and one of the leading men of this
section of Maine. The subject of this sketch was bom at Owl's
Head, Thomaston (now South Thomaston), Sept. 28, 1803, and
came to Camden in 1821, where he served as clerk in the store
of Benjamin Gushing until 1823, and then began business on his
own account. In 1827, he married Adeline Gushing, daughter
of his former employer. He devoted himself to the mercantile
business with assiduity and was very successful. He was in no
sense an office seeker, but occasionally accepted an official posi-
tion when tendered to him. At the solicitation of his friends he
accepted the office of Gaptain in the militia, and also filled some
town offices, among them being that of Selectman. In 1840, he
was elected Representative to the Legislature by the Whigs.
Capt. Adams was extensively and favorably known through his
connection with commercial affairs, and was always distinguished
by his integrity and noted for his square dealings. Capt. Adams
was a member of the Congregational church from 1836, and was
for many years one of its deacons. He evinced in his life the
tenets of his Christian profession and his love for his church was
unwavering. Samuel G., and Adeline Adams were the parents of
ten children, viz : William G., Joshua, Benjamin G., Lucy C.,
(who married Rev. J. E. Adams), Cynthia W., (who married Dr.
Elisha Hopkins), Flora J., (who married Frederick J. Simonton),
Sarah J., (who married Rev. H. M. Parsons), Samuel G., Jr.,
Fannie E., (who married Reuben Leland), and Ella A.
1873. The public business of the town opened this
year with a town meeting on Feb. IS, to elect a Treasurer to fill
the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hiram Bass, and take
further action on the question of the Penobscot Bay & River R.
R. H. H. Cleveland was elected Treasurer to serve until the
annual meeting. All the articles relating to the railroad were
"passed over."
414 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
At the annual town meeting held March 10, J. H. Sherman
was elected Town Clerk ; J. F. Stetson, J. W. Thomdike and
Ezekiel Vinal, Selectmen ; and E. M. Wood, Treasurer. The
town voted to " take stock in the Penobscot Bay & River Rail-
road to the amount of Five per cent, of its state valuation," the
vote resulting as follows : In favor of taking stock as aforesaid,
399 ; opposed to so doing, 73. The money for that purpose
was to be raised by loan, the town to issue twenty years six per
cent, bonds.
Nelson Dingley, Jr., Republican, and Joseph Titcomb,
Democrat, were the gubernatorial candidates this year. A new
party called the Liberal RepubUcans, also appeared in the field,
and nominated Jos. H. Williams. This party cast 2100 votes in
the state. Mr. Dingley was elected by a good majority over
both his competitors.
Camden had now become strongly Democratic in its political
sentiments and gave Mr. Titcomb 470 votes and Mr. Dingley,
372. There seemed to be no Liberal Republicans in town.
Edward Cushing of Camden, Democrat, received in town, 494
votes for senator aginst 347 for Moses Webster of Vinalhaven.
Mr. Webster, however, was elected. There was a close contest
for the election of a Representative to the Legislature, Joseph H.
Martin, Democrat, receiving, 421 votes and Fred E. Richards,
Republican, 423 which gave Mr. Richards the election.
This year died, Cyrus G. Alden, son of Judge Horatio Alden,
on Jan. 19, at the age of 45 years. Mr. Alden was a very active
and successful business man. His health failing he went south
in October, 1872, visiting several of the southern states and finally
went to Key West, where he died of consumption. He married
Adelaide A. Ogier. Their three children: Adelaide, Fred C, and
Horatio D.
On March 12, 1874, the town lost one of its very old citizens
in the death of Deacon Isaac Pendleton, at the age of 92 years
and 11 months. Deacon Pendleton was born in Islesboro in 1780,
PROMINENT CITIZENS 415
but came to Camden at an early age. He followed the sea for
more than fifty years, and was a very successful master mariner,
commanding first class coasters the most of the time. He owned
the farm on the Belfast road, now owned by Mrs- Harriet B.
Borland and Mrs. Chauncy Keep, his residence being the brick
house, now a summer cottage. The "Norumbega" property
was also a part of his farm. Capt. Pendleton was for more than
sixty years a consistent member of the Baptist church and was
one of its deacons for more than fifty years. He married for his
first wife, Lucy, daughter of Job Pendleton, by whom he had the
following children : Belinda, (who married Caleb Gilkey), An-
drew, Sabrina, (who married Henry Dodge), Cyrus and Joseph.
For his second wife he married Mrs. Catharine Thomdike. Although
living to a great age, he continued to be an important factor in
the church and community until the last.
James Clark was bom in Waldoboro, Maine, Sept. 28, 1799,
whence he moved to Camden about the year, 1822. During
his early life he followed the sea for sometime, and then opened
a store and went into trade which he continued until failing
health compelled him to give up business. He afterwards
bought and opened to the public, the "Megunticook House"
otherwise known as " Clark's Hotel" (now the Bay View House)
of which he was landlord for a long period. He was prominent
in town afiairs and was for several years Selectman and also served
for a number of years as Treasurer. When Camden was made a
Port of Entry in 1849, Mr. Clark was appointed Deputy Collec-
tor of Customs. Mr. Clark was greatly interested in Masonic
afiairs and was Master of Amity Lodge in 1835 and 1836. He
was one of the "immortal Nine." Mr. Clark married Emmerline
Ewell of Waldoboro, Maine, and the children bom to them
were: Julia, (who married Joseph Perry), James W., Fannie, (who
married first Thomas Rogers, and second Charles Oilman,) An-
drew E., Charles and Emma, (who married Johnson Knight.)
He died Sept. 12, 1873, at the age of nearly 74 years.
416 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
John E. Dailey, son of Christopher and Joanna (Thorndike)
Dailey, who died Nov. 14, 1873, at the age of 52 years, was
born in Lincolnville, Maine, May 20, 1821. After getting such
education as the district schools afforded, he worked in the ship-
yards at Bath and Rockport to learn the shipbuilder's trade. In
1848, he went to Deer Isle, Maine, where he buih his first vessel.
He then came to Camden where he lived until 1852, when he
removed to Tenant's Harbor where for ten years he built a vessel
each year. He had often said to his family, "We will return
some day to live under the shadow of the Camden hills," and in
1862, made good his promise by returning to Camden to reside.
He built vessels here for many years. In 1871, he returned to
Tenant's Harbor to build his last vessel, the Annie Jones, taking
with him his master-builder, H. M. Bean. Mr. Dailey married
Lovina, da,ughter of Sedate and Abigail Wadsworth, in 1843, by
whom he had eight children, viz: Julia M., (who married Isaac
Palmer), Charles E., Nellie A., (who married Benj. F. Bass),
Emma J., (who married Cornelius T. Hosmer), John E., Lovina
E., (who married John D. Knowlton), Harry J., and Elizabeth
B., (who married Everett N. Duffy.)
1874. The same Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer
elected in 1873, were all re-elected at the annual meeting held
March 9, 1874. The question of building a new County Court
House in Rockland had been agitated for some time and this year
the various towns of the county were called to vote upon the
proposition. Camden voted in favor of building the Court House,
by a vote of 90 to 47. ^ It was also voted to establish a free
High School in town. ^
The same Republican and Democratic gubernatorial can-
1. The Court House was built in 1874, at an expense of over 980,000 and is
one of the best buildings of the kind in the state.
2. The establishment of " Free High Schools " in the state was authorized
by an act of the Legislature of 1873, providing that the state should furnish
every town one half the amount actually expended by the town for instruc-
tion in a free High School, the amount furnished by the state not to exceed
$600. Public Laws of 1873, Chap. 124.
PROMINENT CITIZENS 417
didates were again nominated this year. The Liberal Republican
did not again put a candidate in the field. Mr. Dingley was
again elected. In Camden the vote resulted as follows : Joseph
Titcomb, 487 ; Nelson Dingley, Jr., 423. Edward Gushing of
Camden, Democrat, was again a candidate for senator receiving
here, 498 votes, and Mr. Webster, his opponent, 414. This year
Mr. Cushing was elected. Joseph H. Martin, Democrat and
Albert Johnson, Republican, were the candidates for Represen-
tatives to the Legislature, the former being elected. The vote
resulted as follows : Martin, 487 ; Johnson: 425.
On May 30th, this year, " Memorial Day" was observed by
the veteran soldiers and citizens for the first time. The graves
of dead soldiers in the various cemeteries were decorated and
appropriate exercis^es were held. The principal address on this
occasion was delivered by Thaddeus R. Simonton, Esq.
Hanson Andrews, a prominent citizen of the town, and an
active business man of Rockport village, died April 2, 1874, at
the age of 57 years and 11 months. Mr. Andrews held various
town ofiices among them being a service of several years as Select-
man. He served the town as Representative to the Legislature
in 18SS. Mr. Andrews was twice married, his first wife being
Melvina Richards and his second wife, Mary Barrett. His chil-
dren : Ada, (who married Ezra Merriam), and Nellie (who
married Lourston Morton.)
Jeremiah C. Cushing was the son of Joseph Cushing, who,
with his brother Benjamin, came from Hanover, Mass., in 1794.
Joseph traded in Camden with his brother, as has already been
stated. He owned the farm on "Belfast Road" now owned by
Perrin P. Freeman, and built the buildings now standing on the
place, where the subject of this sketch was born, in 1798. After
living in Camden for some time Joseph Cushing removed to
Skowhegan, Maine, taking with him all of his family, with the
exception of Jererniah, who remained in Camden where he passed
the whole of his life. He learned the carpenter's trade of Alden
418 HISTORY Of CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Bass and became one of the best workman at his trade in this
vicinity. Being both a house and ship-carpenter he worked for
years upon the vessels that were built in the old shipbuilding
days in Camden and won wide fame as a master-workman. He
built the house on Elm street, now known as the "Sartell House"
which was his home for many years. Mr. Gushing was a member
of Amity Lodge of Masons, and was for many years its Treasurer.
He was one of the " Immortal Nine." He died of apoplexy,
Sept. 7, 1874, at the age of 74 years. Mr. Gushing married
Abagail J., daughter of Capt. Josiah Dillingham. They were the
parents of three daughters, viz : Elizabeth K., (who married
Benjamin Crabtree 2d), Sarah F., (who married Edmund Wyllie),
and Garoline M., (who married Alden Miller, Jr.)
MEGUNTICOOK HALL 419
CHAPTER L.
" MEGUNTICOOK HALL."
1875. The annual town meeting passed oft quietly ' this
year. It was held on March 8. The following officers were
elected : E. A. Morrill, Town Clerk ; J. F. Stetson, C. S. Pack-
ard and A. R. Tolman, Selectmen ; E. M. Wood, Treasurer.
Selden Connor, Republican and Charles W. Roberts, Demo-
crat, were candidates for governor in the election of 1875, Mr.
Connor being elected. Camden gave Mr. Roberts 466 votes
and Mr. Connor, 422.
Joseph H. Martin was again elected Representative to the
Legislature, receiving 470 votes, while the Republican candi-
date, Harvey H. Cleveland, received 418.
The winter of 1875 was one of great severity. In February
Penobscot Bay froze over for the first time since the cold winter
of 1868. People drove in sleighs from Vinalhaven to Camden by
crossing the "Thoroughfare" to North Haven, thence across the
bay to Islesboro and across the western bay to Lincolnville.
They also came from Deer Isle by driving across to Brooksville,
thence to Castine and then crossing to Islesboro and from there
to Lincolnville. The Boston and Bangor steamship, Kathadin,
was frozen in the ice at Belfast until April 15.
This year a newspaper called the Village Echo was published
at Rockport village. After continuning for a little over a year it
was suspended for want of patronage.
420 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
At Rockport also this year was instituted Star of Hope Lodge •
I. 0. G. T., but we have no list of its first officers.
On March 22, 1875, was organized the Camden National
Bank, which is today ofie of the most prosperous banking con-
cerns in this section of the state. It began business Dec. 20,
1875. Its first officers were, Henry Knight, President ; J. F.
Stetson, Cashier ; Henry Knight, Jesse F. Hosmer, Benj. C.
Adams, Geo. L. Follansbee, Horatio E. Alden, Harvey H.
Cleveland and D. H. Bisbee, Directors.
A vein of gold and silver was discovered on the farm of
George Oxton at West Camden, and a company was organized to
work it, but it proved of no particular value. ^
J. W. K. Norwood, son of Capt. William Norwood, died
May 3, 1875, at the age of 71 years. Mr. Norwood was bom in
North Haven in 1804, coming here with his father. He engaged
in trade for many years with Mr. Joseph Jones, _and subsequently
alone. He was appointed Postmaster of Camden in 1849,
serving for four years. He also served as. County Commissioner
for four years, by an appointment by the governor. He was a
business man of accuracy and integrity, and a valuable citizen
who was greatly interested in the educational and general welfare
of his town. He married Clementine, daughter of Ephraim
Wood, by whom he had one daughter, Frances. His residence
was the fine old place on Elm street now owned by his nephew,
Mr.' J. H. Norwood of Rockport.
Rev. John L. Locke, the first historian of Camden, was born
in Belfast, Maine, July 6, 1832. Helearned the jeweler's trade in
Belfast and came to Camden in 1854 and went into the jeweler's
business in the " Old Sherman Building" on Main street. He
gave up his business early in the sixties and attended the Theo-
1. At about this time there was considerable nilning excitement In this
section of the state and mining companies were forme ' and mines worked
for a short time hernabout, one being on Beauchamp Point, another on
the Rockport shore known as "Porterfield Ledge," others in Appleton,
Searsmont and elsewhere, none of wlilch proved in-odnctive.
MEGUNTICOOK HALL 421
logical Seminary at Sanbornton, N. H., where he completed a
full course of study. Afterwards he joined the East Maine
Met'hodist Conference and preached at Danforth, Topfield, Wes-
ton and Ellsworth. Later he was transferred to the New England
Conference where he filled the pulpits of his church at Lunen-
burg, Warren, Mendon, Quincy and Stowe, Mass. He then re-
turned to Belfast where he died Feb. 18, 1876. Mr. Locke was
a man of excellent literary ability and took great interest in histor-
ical matters. He was a member of the Maine Historical Society,
and was a frequent contributor to the newspapers on historical
subjects. The people of Camden owe him a great debt of
gratitude for writing and publishing his " Sketches of the History
of Camden," a volume of over 250 pages giving an interesting
account of many of the events, men and institutions of the town
from its discovery to the year 1858. Many important things
happening in the early days of the town's history would have been
lost completely but for Mr. Locke's Sketches. Mr. Locke also
wrote " Sketches of the Early History of Belfast" which were
published in the Belfast Progressiue Age extending through six-
teen numbers begining April 10, 1856. Mr. Locke married
Hannah R., daugter of Simon Hunt. They had one son Herbert
H., who went to the Klondike region a few years ago where it is
supposed that he was drowned.
William Carleton, Jr., died Jan. 9, 1876, at the age of 66
years. He was the eldest son of William Carleton and was born
in Camden, Sept, 28, 1809. He received a .liberal education
and in early life began trading in Rockport (then Goose River)
village, where with the exception of four years spent in California,
. he continued in business all his life doing, in addition, an ice
business. He and his brother, E. E. Carleton, established the
firm of Carleton & Co. which continued for some time after
his death, but finally became merged in the Rockport Ice Co.
Mr. Carleton was frequently elected Town Clerk of his town and
might have held many prominent public positions of trust and
422 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
honor but preferred to attend closely to his business. He went
to California in 1849, being one of the company sailing from Cam-
den in the brig, Perfect, and returned in 1853. Mr. Carleton
was always a strong advocate of temperance, was a consistent
member of the Congregational Church, and a high minded, kind-
hearted, philanthropic gentleman. Mr. Carleton married for his
first wife, Phebe H. Loring, of Yarmouth, Maine, and for his
second wife Sarah Loring a sister of his first wife. He had two
daughters, Frances E., and Sarah L., both of whom married Rev.
Thomas E. Brastow.
Capt Ezra Cobb who died Nov. 4, was bom in Princeton,
Mass., and came to Camden in 1824, to visit his sister, Mrs.
Timothy Fay. He was so well pleased with the place that his
visit became a lifelong one, for the, following year he married
Nancy, daughter of Nathaniel Hosmer and settled down on the
place where his children now live. The day following their
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cobb started for Princeton, via. Boston
ui a sloop to visit his friends and pay for his farm, the owners
living in Princeton. He took with him all the money he
had saved and Mrs. Cobb took the money she had received from
her father to buy furniture for their home. The same evening the
sloop collided with another vessel and was wrecked. The thir-
teen passengers were taken off in a small boat and after being out
all night were picked up by another vessel and taken to Boston.
The money and clothing of the young couple, being in their
trunk, were lost. This severe loss just on the threshold of life
made it hard for Mr. Cobb to pay for his farm and he felt the
effects of the disaster for many years. Mr. Cobb taught school
winters and worked on his farm summers for over twenty-five years,
then he gave up teaching and started the first milk route in Cam-
den, continuing that business for the remainder of his life. He
joined the Congregational Church in early life and was a most
valuable member, being a teacher and superintendent in the
Sunday School, a leader of the choir for many years, and when
MEGUNTICOOK HALL 423
there was no pastor he used to read sermoris. He was a Whig in
politics and a strong abolitionist. He was often a candidate of
his party for Representative but owing to the political complexion
of the town at that time he was not elected. He was for a time
a captain in the militia, whence he acquired his title. Capt. and
Mrs. Cobb were the parents of ten children, viz : Nathaniel H.,
(who died in infancy), Nathaniel H., Harriet E., (who married
Isaac B. Melvin), Mary S., Emily A., (who married C. H. Baker),
Jesse H., Joseph H., Nancy E., Sarah A., and Martha A.
Capt. Cobb's brother, George W. Cobb, was also born in
Princeton, came to Camden in 1829, where he taught school
for about ten years. He afterwards carried on a cabinet maker's
and furniture business, and also was an undertaker. Like his
brother, Mr. Cobb was also a strong Whig in politics. He married
Betsy, daughter of Moses Parker by whom he had six children,
viz: George S., who fell at Petersburg, William P., who died in
infancy, Charles E., William P., Adelia M., and Mary A. He
died in 1885.
John W. Simonton, son of John G. and Eliza (Richards)
Simonton, was bom here July 25, 1839, and died in Boston,
Dec. 18, 1875. Mr. Simonton, during the war of the rebellion,
and for a short time after its close, was residing at Fortress Mon-
roe where he was engaged in trade. While there he was nom-
inated for Representative to the Virginia Legislature, but declined
the honor on account of business engagements. He afterwards
returned to his native town and entered into trade here and en-
gaged in the manufacture of lime for several years as a member
of the firm of S. T. Cleveland & Co. About 1870, he went to
Boston and entered the employ of the Metropolitan Horse Car
Co. and held, at the time of his death, the position of cashier of
the company. Mr. Simonton was a prominent Mason, and was a
charter member and the first Secretary of Keystone Royal Arch
Chapter. Mr. Simonton married Helen Wakefield of Belfast.
Their children are Virginia, (who married William Farnsworth)
424 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKFORT
and Helen, (who married Thomas Crimmings. )
187(5. Annual meeting March 13. Officers elected:
Town Clerk, E. A. Morrill ; Selectmen, J. F. Stetson, J. W.
Ingraham and A. R. Tolman ; Treasurer, E. M. Wood.
It was voted to refund the town bonds by the issue of new
bonds to the amount of $35,000 bearing not more than six per
cent, interest, which vote was shortly afterwards carried into
effect by the Treasurer. ■'
Gov. Connor, was this year, a second time the gubernatorial
candidate of the Republicans and was a second time elected.
The Democratic candidate was John C. Talbot. A new party
known as the Greenback party that was destined to make much
agitation in our politics for several years, this year for the first
time made its appearance in Maine, although it appeared in the
west two years before. The real founder of the party in Maine
was Solon Chase who, prior to the campaign of 1876, had estab-
Hshed a Greenback newspaper, and a party organization was
formed by which Almon Gage was nominated for governor. He
received 520 votes in the state in the election of this year.
Camden, unaware of the political wave being put in motion
that in a short time was to stir the town to its very depths,
both in municipal and state politics, did not cast a single Green-
back vote in 1876. The town turned again to the Republican
party this year, giving Gov. Connor 493 votes and Mr. Talbot,
465. Ephraim M. Wood of Camden and John C. Levensaler
of Thomaston were again respectively the Republican and Demo-
cratic candidates for Judge of Probate, Judge Wood being re-
elected. His vote in Camden was 517, Judge Levensaler re-
ceiving 442. Herbert L. Shepherd, Republican, was elected
Representative to the Legislature receiving 506 votes against
437 for Fred Lewis the Democratic candidate.
At the presidential election in November of this year, the
1. A large portion of tlie town war debt bonds had been Issued at the
rate of seven and three tenths per cent. iQterest. They were refunded this
year at five per cent.
MEGUNTICOOK HALL 425
Hayes and Wheeler electoral candidates received in Camden
400 votes and the Tilden and Hendricks electoral candidates
received 372 votes.
The great temperance reform movement in the state known
as the " Iron Clad" movement was at its height at this time and
Iron Clad" Reform Clubs were organized in Camden and
Rockport villages during the winter and spring of 1876. Large
numbers of our people joined these clubs and signed their
pledges. Weekly meetings were held at which speeches were
made by prominent citizens and the cause of temperance re-
ceived a great impetus. This movement continued for several
years when it gradually subsided.
Camden village, large as it had grown, had no public or
other hall of any size, and the desirability of having such a hall
had been recognized and discussed for a long time. Many plans
for building a hall had been considered but without result until
it was proposed that the Camden Village Corporation build a
public building which should contain a large hall. This proposi-
tion was opposed by many who were unwilling to have the Cor-
poration contract the necessary indebtedness and the question
was vigorously discussed in the newspapers and usual places of
gathering about the village. Finally in the winter of 1876, a
petition was presented to the Legislature signed by 172 tax-
payers, asking for an act amendatory to the Corporation charter
enabling it to raise money by loan to build a hall. This petition
was followed by a remonstrance containing 152 names, and a
vigorous fight against the proposed act was made before the
legislative committee by taxpaying residents of the Corporation
and some large non-resident taxpayers. The committee, however,
reported favorably and the bill was passed by the Legislature
amending " Section two of the 'Act to incorporate Camden
Village Corporation ' approved February fourteenth, one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-seven," by adding the following words:
" and for the building or assisting in building a village hall, the
426 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
amount invested for that purpose not to exceed eight thousand
dollars to be raised by loan instead of assessment on a time not
exceeding ten years if said Corporation shall so vote." This
amendment was approved Feb. 22, 1876, and the Corporation at
once voted to build the hall. A lot was secured, where the
Opera House " now stands, and in September following the
contract for building the Hall was awarded to J. W. Thompson
of, Stockton, he bidding $6 39S. The building was of wood and
was a handsome structure. It contained a large public hall on
the second floor with stage and galleries and a small hall and
other rooms below. It was dedicated June 20, 1877, and proved
all that its advocates claimed it would be for the convenience and
pleasure of the village people. Many names were proposed for
the new hall, but the majority seemed to favor " Megunticook"
and although some opposition developed, which was manifested in
newspaper articles for a time, still the name adhered to the build-
ing which was henceforth known as " Megunticook Hall."
During the year 1876, several citizens of prominence were
removed by the hand of death. Among them we note the follow-
ing:
Joshua G. Norwood who died May 9, 1876, was the son of
Capt. William and Deborah Winslow Norwood, and was born in
North Haven, Feb. 29, 1816. He came to Camden with his
father and passed the remainder of his life here becoming one of
the leading business men of this section of the state. Mr. Nor-
wood's education was obtained in the public schools of his town
and at Warren and China Academies. He taught school for a
time before going into business. In 1839, he married Harriet
M. A. Hall, daughter of Hon. Joseph Hall, and the same year
formed a partnership with Samuel D. Carleton under the firm
name of Carleton & Norwood doing a lime burning and shipbuilding
business and carying on a general store at Rockport village.
Their store was ^ocated near the lime kilns back of the brick
building afterwards built and occupied by the concern. This
MEGUNTICOOK HALL 427
original building was destroyed by fire several years ago. While
laying the foundation of their business which was afterwards one
of the largest and most prosperous in eastern Maine, Mr. Nor-
wood and his partner worked untiringly never hesitating to go
into their kilns and elsewhere and help do the necessary work
with their own hands when help was scarce as was often the case
in those days. In 1849, Mr. P. J. Carleton became a partner in
the business the firm name then becoming Carleton, Norwood &
Co., which firm continued to carry on the business. The death
of Mr. Norwood was the first break in the concern which, how-
ever, continued to exist and still does business in Rockport,
although now composed of the sons of P. J. Carleton. This
great firm was always distinguished for its integrity and business
ability, and up to the year of Mr. 'Norwood's death had built
some 45 vessels, many of them large ships, which made the
firm's name a familiar one in all parts of the world. Mr. Nor-
wood's children: Frederick A., Joseph H., Maria W., (who
married Horace G. Tibbetts), Ella M., Granville C, and Joshua
G., Jr.
Hon. Elbridge G. Knight died June 21. Mr. Knight
was bom in Westbrook, Maine, in the year 1811, and was there-
fore 65 years of age at the time of his death. When quite a
young boy his parents removed to Peru in Oxford County in
which county he continued to live until a young man when he
returned to his native town and went into the employ of Messrs.
Lyon & Day, wool merchants, with whom he continued until he
came to Camden in 1840. Here he went into business for him-
self establishing a tin and hardware business which he continued
until about fifteen years before his death and in which he was very
successful. In 1842, he married Miss Myra Harden of Phillips,
Maine. Mr. Knight while not a public man in the general
acceptation of the term, was, nevertheless much interested in
pubKc affairs, and held several offices of public trust, being for
several years one of the Selectmen of the town and in 1865
428 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
represented Knox County in the state Senate. He was shrewd
and keen as a business man, and was also famous for his wit and
dry humor. Mr. Knight was much interested in Masonry and
served as Treasurer and Secretary of Amity Lodge at different
times and in 185 5, was elected its twenty-fifth Master. He was
also a prominent member of Keystone R. A., Chapter. The
following are the children of Elbridge G., and Myra Knight :
Eveline, (who married Abel Hunt), Louise R., (who married
Holly M. Bean), Myra and Arno W., (both died in childhood),
Julia H., (who married G. F. Burgess), John R., Charles E.,
James B., Edward E., and Myra H.,(who married C. 0. Mont-,
gomery.) Mr. Knight purchased the Joseph Eaton house on
High street where he lived and which is now owned by his heirs.
Rev. Nathaniel M. Wood, D. D., who died August 2, at the
age of 54 years, was the son of Ephraim Wood. He was of a
most scholarly turn of mind and early determined to obtain a
liberal education. He attended Waterville College where he
graduated in the class of 1844, and three years later completed a
course of study at the Covington, Ky., Theological Seminary.
Later he filled the Chair of Systematic Theology in Shurtliff
College, Upper Alton, 111. The climate of the West and hard
work so affected his constitution that he found himself obliged to
return to the East, where he lived in Boston for several years
and finally came to his native town where he died. Dr. Wood
was an able preacher and a profound student. At the time of
his death he was one of the Trustees of Colby University. He
married Caroline Bray. Their children were three daughters,
Maria E., Caroline E., and Annie P.
Hon. Hiram Bass died December 31, at the age of 71 years.
Mr. Bass was the son of Alden Bass and was bom in Camden, in
1805. He was a man of good judgment, possessing a legal
mind, which made him the counselor of many of his neighbors
and townsmen. He was often called to fill positions of trust
and responsibility which he administered with ability. He was
MEGUNTICOOK HALL 429
for several years cashier of the old Megunticook Bank. He was
elected Town Treasurer in 1849, and served seven years, when
he was elected First Selectman and served in that capacity three
years. In 1865 he was again elected Treasurer of the town
and continued to hold the office until 1873. In 18SS, he was a
candidate for Senator but failed of election. In 1856, Mr. Bass
was elected Judge of Probate for Waldo County, holding the
office for four years. Mr. Bass was for two different periods
Postmaster of Camden. He was first appointed in 1841, serving
until 1845. In 1861, he was again appointed to the office which
he continued to hold until the time of his death. Mr. Bass was
a good bcrivener being particularly skillful in drawing legal
documents, and many of the deeds, wills, contracts and other
similar papers executed by Camden people from thirty to fifty
years ago were drawn by his hand. Mr. Bass married Cornelia
Kendall of Boston in 1845. They had two children, Cornelia
K.,(who married Myron W. Messer), and Benjamin F.
1877. The annual town meeting for 1877, was held on
March 12. There was again no particular contest over the
election of town officers, the Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer
elected in 1876 being all re-elected.
The gubernatorial candidates for the two leading parties
this year were Selden Connor, RepubUcan, and Joseph H.
Williams, Democrat, Gov. Connor being again re-elected.
The Greenback party nominated Henry C. Munson
who received between five and six thousand votes in the state
showing that the new party was begining to acquire the strength
that it afterwards demonstrated.
Camden swung back to the Democratic party this year giving
Mr. Williams, 462 votes and Gov. Connor, 406, while Mr. Mun-
son received 5 votes.
Joseph H. Martin of Camden, Democrat, was a candidate
for senator receiving as usual a good endorsement from his fellow
townsmen, 548 votes being cast for him and 326 for his opponent.
430 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Mr. Martin was the successful candidate in the county senatorial
election.
Fred A. Norwood, Democrat was elected Representative to
the Legislature over Hosea B. Eaton, Republican, by a vote of
462 to 399.
This year the charter of Camden Village , Corporation was
again amended to allow it to invest a sum not exceeding $1200,
" for seating and for apparatus for lighting and warming" the
village hall. ^
This year died Horatio E. Alden, son of Judge Horatio
Alden, a business man well known in business circles from Maine
to California. Mr. Alden was one of the founders of the Camden
Anchor Works, the firm name being H. E. & W. G. Alden,
This business afterwards carried on for many years by his brother,
Mr. Wm. G. Alden, was one of the most successful on the
New England coast and became the largest Anchor Works in the
United States. It is now owned and carried on by a corporation
known as the Camden Anchor-Rockland Machine Company. Mr.
Alden had been in failing health for some time and had visited
the South and Lower California hoping to regain his health, but
without permanent results. He died Sept. 3, 1877, leaving a
widow, who before her marriage was Miss Georgia Flowers.
1. See Acts & Resolves of 1877, Page 295.
GREENBACK DAYS 431
CHAPTER LI.
Greenback Days.
1878. The Greenback party, both in the state and the
town, had grown from a feeble infant to an exultant giant. The
Camden Herald under the management or Mr. Wilder W. Peny
had changed from a non-partisan, independent sheet to a radical,
aggressive and uncompromising Greenback organ that advocated
with vigor the principles of Greenbackism both in season and out
of season, and the doctrine expounded by " Uncle Solon" Chase
suddenly became the political gospel of a majority of the Camden
voters. The contest between the new party and the two old
parties was precipitated on March 1 1 , when the voters of the
town met in annual town meeting and the result was heralded by
the Camden paper with a great display of flags, roosters,' etc., as a
great " Greenback Victory " which without doubt it was. Each
of the three parties had a candidate for nearly all the important
town offices but the Greenback candidates all had large majorities
over both of the other candidates. The following principal town
officers were elected : E. D. Merriam, Town Clerk ; John P.
Wellman, Joseph S. Eells and Otis A. Fisk, Selectmen and Free-
man H. Calderwood, Treasurer. It was voted to refund the loan
of 1868, amounting to $7,900, and to issue 5-10 bonds at 4 per
cent, for the same. It was voted to reduce the poll tax to $1.00 ;
also to raise the sum of $2,000 for the purchase of a " poor farm."
At the state election in 1878, Gov. Connor was again the
432 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Republican candidate for governor. The Democrats had nominat-
ed Alonzo Garcelon and the " Greenbackers " Joseph L. Smith.
So popular had the Greenback doctrine become that the party
cast 41,371 votes in the state. Gov. Connor received 56,554,
and Dr. Garcelon but 28,208. Neither candidate received a
majority and the Legislature elected Dr. Garcelon. Camden in
the state election was over whelmingly "Greenback," the vote
for governor being as follows: Joseph L. Smith, 498; Selden
Connor, 231; Alonzo Garcelon 146. Even Joseph H. Martin's
popularity in town could not stem the tide. Mr. Martin had
been nominated for Congress by the Democrats, but both he and
Eugene Hale went down before the stonecutter, Thompson H.
Murch, who was elected. In Camden Mr. Martin received 178
votes, Mr. Hale 226, and Mr. Murch, 452. George W. Thorn-
dike of Camden, Greenbacker, was a candidate for County Com-
missioner, receiving here 486 votes, his Republican and Demo-
cratic opponents receiving 225 and 156 votes respectively.
Samuel E. Shepherd of Camden, Republican, was elected sheriff,
receiving in town 285 votes, his Greenback and Democratic
opponents receiving 446 and 121 votes respectively. Wilder W.
Perry, Greenbacker, was elected Representative to the Legislature.
He received 483 votes, Johnson Knight the Republican candi-
date received 235, and Nathaniel L. Josselyn the Democratic
candidate, 138.
On Jan. 10, 1878, a hurricane swept over the town which
unroofed many houses, demolished barns, overthrew chimneys
and did other damage to property but resulted in no loss of life.
This year died Deacon Joel Hodgman on Nov. 9, at the
age of 79 years and 9 months. Deacon Hodgman was bom in
Camden, Jan. 20, 1799, and was the youngest of five brothers,
the sons of that pioneer of the western part of the town. Job
Hodgman. Deacon Hodgman inherited his father's homestead
and carried on the old farm. He was a diligent, hard-working;
shrewd and careful man in his business, and possessed a sound
GREENBACK DAYS 433
judgment, coupled with strict integrity and upright conduct.
He joined the Congregational Church in 1836, and was for 42
years one of its most valuable members and was one of its deacons
for 25 years. Mr. Hodgman manied for his first wife, Mary
Start, by whom he had the following children : Elizabeth, (who
married Oliver Page), Nancy, William T., (who died young),
Sophronia, Lydia, William F., and Ebenezer S. For his second
wife Mr. Hodgman married Lucy Page, and for his third wife
Mrs. Adeline Arey.
1879. The Greenback party was this year still master of
the situation. At the annual town meeting held March 10, the
old Democratic party did not have any candidates having "fused"
with the Greenbackers. The Republicans had candidates but they
received very small support. E. D. Merriam was • again elected
Town Clerk ; John P. Wellman, Joseph S. Eells and Otis A. Fisk,
Selectmen and Freeman H. Calderwood, Treasurer.
The three parties this year each nominated a candidate for
governor as follows : Republican, Daniel E. Davis ; Democratic
Alonzo Garcelon, and Greenback, Joseph L. Smith. The vote in
the state was 68,967 for Davis, 21,851 foi Garcelon and 47,643
for Smith, which again resulted in no choice by the people and
under the constitution as it then was, the governor must be again
selected by the Legislature. For nearly all of the subordinate
officers of the state the Democratic and Greenback parties had
"fused" in the various counties and towns, and when the
Legislature met the following January there was enacted at the
Capitol what was designated by the Republicans as the "state
steal." By issuing certificates of election to persons, whom sub-
sequent decisions of the Supreme Court declared not to have been
elected, the Governor and Council caused a "Fusion" majority
to appear in the Legislature. Much excitnaent at Augusta and
throughout the state followed, the military was called into requisi-
tion at the Capitol and at one time there was much fear that
blood would be shed before the tangle was unraveled. The
434 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
decision of the Supreme Court cleared the political atmos-
phere and although no legal organization of the Legislature was
effected until a week after the constitutional day of meeting, the
trouble was at last arrested and the Legislature elected Daniel F.
Davis, Governor.
At the election in Camden, Mr. Davis received 274 votes,
Dr. Garcelon 59, Mr. Smith S68,andHoseaB. Eaton of Camden, 1.
Charles A. Sylvester, of Camden, although not a regular candidate,
received 6 votes for senator. Wilder W. Perry, Greenbacker,
was again elected Representative to the Legislature receiving
SSO votes, while the Republican candidate, Thomas E. Brastqw,
received 294, and the Democratic candidate, Nathaniel L. Josselyn,
received 49.
The Legislature of 1879, passed a resolve proposing an
amendment to the constitution providing for biennial elections
and biennial sessions of the Legislature.^ This amendment was
adopted at the state election of this year, and since the election
of 1880, all state elections have been held biennially and the
Legislature has met but once in two years unless for some reason
a special session has been called. On this constitutional amend-
ment, Camden cast SOO votes in favor of the amendment and 17
against it.
William H. Codman, Esq., died May 3, 1879. He was
bom at Portland, Maine, Sept. 23, 1806, and graduated from
Bowdoin College in the class of 1824. He studied law with
Charles S. Davis, Esq. , of Portland and began the practice of his pro-
fession in that city. In 1837 he moved to Camden and immediate-
ly began to take an active part in town affairs, especially in the
organization and development of the public school system and
other educational work. He was elected County Attorney of
Waldo County and served for several years. In 18S2, he was
appointed by President Pierce to a clerkship in the Treasury De-
partment which position he held for nine years. Mr. Codman
1. See Acts and Resolves of 1879, Page 109
GREENBACK DAYS 435
was a member of the Congregational Church and was frequently
called, in the absence of the pastor, to read a published sermon,
or to read and expound the Scripture. He was often referred to
as the " encyclopsedia " of the town. He was a man of rare
culture, high education and was distinguished for his wonderful
memory. He was master of several languages including Hebrew
and Sanscript. Mr. Codman was married in Camden, Nov. 29,
1838, to Mary S. Eager, daughter of John Eager. They had
eight children, five of whom died in infancy. The others were,
John Eager, William Swan, and Mary Louise, (who married Peter
Boyd. ) The only one of these children now living is Mr. John
Eager Codman who resides in Philadelphia but still holds so dear
the attractions of the town of his birth that he yet maintains a
residence in Camden where every year with his children and
grandchildren he comes to spend the summer months. Mr. Cod-
man continued to reside in Camden until his death and he lies in
Mountain Cemetery.
18 SO. The beginning of a new decade found Camden
with a slightly decreased population, but an increased valuation.
The pppulation was 4386, and the valuation $1,676,536. The
number of polls this year was 1238, a considerable increase over
1870.
The annual town meeting was held March 8, and the Green-
back or " Fusion" party still held the reins of power. The same
Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer elected by them in the
two preceding years were elected again this year.
This year the Republicans re-nominated Gov. Davis and the
Democrats and Greenbackers put a "Fusion" ticket into the
field, the candidate being Harris M. Plaisted. On June 1, at
Ellsworth the Prohibition party was organized and William P. Joy
was nominated for governor. Later at Portland other temperance
men nominated Joshua Nye for governor. This year 147,802
votes were cast for governor, the largest vote ever cast in the
state, resulting in the election of Mr. Plaisted by a majority of
436 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND EOCKPORT
only a few votes.
In Camden Mr- Plaisted received 649 votes, Mr. Davis 325,
and Mr. Nye 2. Wilder W. Perry of Camden, Greenback,
candidate for senator received 533 votes, D. N. Mortland the
Republican candidate 308, and Atwood Levensaler the straight
Democratic candidate 3. Mr. Mortland was elected.
For Clerk of Courts, Ezra D. Merriam of Camden was the
Greenback candidate receiving in his own town 592 votes against
388 cast for Lewis F. Starrett the "Democratic" candidate.
Mr. Starrett was elected.
Judge E. M. Wood was for the third time the Republican
candidate for Judge of Probate. He received in Camden 386
votes, Stephen J. Gushee, the Greenback candidate, received 517
and Henry Spalding, the Democratic candidate, 69. Judge
Wood received the election. Job H. Montgomery of Camden,
Democrat, was a candidate for County Attorney, and received 92
votes against 557 for John 0. Robinson, Greenbacker, and 325
for Charles E. Littlefield, Republican. Mr. Robinson was elected.
Dr. Hosea B. Eaton, Greenbacker, was elected Representative to
the Legislature receiving 650 votes; Thomas E. Brastow, Rgpubli-
can, received 297, and Nathaniel L. Josselyn, Democrat, 1.
So much trouble had recently resulted from the constitutional
provision requiring the governor to be elected by a majority vote
that the Legislature passed a resolve this year proposing a con-
stitutional amendment providing for the election of governor by a
plurality vote, which amendment was adopted by a vote of the
people in September and still prevails. ^ On this question
Camden voted " Yes" 273, " No" 299.
At the presidential election in November the "Fusion"
candidates for electors received a majority in Camden over the
Republican candidates of about 250.
Fred A. Norwood, son of Joshua G. Norwood, another
Rockport business man, died May 13 at the age of 40 years. Mr.
1. See Acts and Resolve of 1880, Page 151.
GREENBACK DAYS 437
Norwood was a member of the well known firm of Carleton, Nor-
wood & Co. He was a generous and public spirited citizen.
He served in the army during the Civil War and was popular with
his fellow veterans as well as with all others. In 1878 he repre-
sented the town in the Legislature. He married Sarah L. Grant.
CyrUs G. Bachelder a Camden village business man and old
citizen of the town, died this year on Sept. 1, at the age of 75
years. Mr. Bachelder was bom in Union, Maine, and came to
Camden sometime in the forties- He was for a short time in
trade in Camden village, and afterwards was in the block manufactur-
ing business with Horatio Alden. Mr. Bachelder was prominent
in town afiairs and was a candidate for the Legislature in 1868.
Mr. Bachelder married Adeline Simmons, by whom he had the
following children, viz : Faroline, Caroline, (who married Joseph
Hull), William. Argyl and La Forest.
This year Rockport lost a well-beloved and venerable citizen
in the death of Rev. Job Washburn at the great age of 94 years.
Mr. Washburn was born in Kingston, Mass., thence coming to
Thomaston when about 22 years of age, where he was ordained to
the gospel ministry and became the first pastor of the Baptist
Church in that town. In 1848 he became a resjident of Camden
and from his first appearance here the people of the town knew
him but to love him and " those who knew hira best, loved him
most." Mr. Washburn married Sarah D. Clough. The
following are his children : Antoinette C, (who married Lewis
Fales), Harriet N., (who married first, Enoch Eastman, and
second, Samuel D. Carleton), Judson R., Isabella P., (who
married Elbridge E. Carleton), Sarah E., (who married Benjamin
P. Robinson), Job K., WilUam H., Abby P., (who married
Augustus Carleton.) For his second wife Mr. Washburn
married Mrs. Betsy Carleton, widow of William Carleton.
438 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER LII.
The "Bridge Question" Again.
1881. This year the political excitment of the few years
past had somewhat subsided in Camden, and at the annual muni-
cipal election held March 14, but comparatively small votes were
cast for the several candidates. A. D. Champney was elected
Town Clerk; J. P.'Wellman, Jere. Mclntire and A. Lamson,
Selectmen, and F. H. Calderwood, Treasurer.
During the summer of this year a great deal of excitment
resulted from the killing of a Rockport boy, Willie Cain, the son
of Robert Cain, and the mysterious deposition of his body. On
July 12, the Cain boy with two other boys was in a boat on the
Lily Pond, and from that time the Cain boy disappeared. It was
supposed that he was pushed out of the boat by the other boys,
who told various and conflicting stories of his disappearance, one
being that Willie was killed with a club and thrown into the
pond. Afterwards the boys denied their stories first told and
claimed to know nothing about their companion's death. A num-
ber of days afterwards the body was found in Goose River stream,
in Eben Thomdike's meadow, a long distance from the place of
the boy's death and it was thought that the body had been re-
covered by some one cognizant of the crime and canied to the
place where it was found. The two boys were bound over to the
September term of the Supreme Court, when they were tried,
one of them being convicted of manslaughter and sentenced
THE BRIDGE QUESTION AGAIN 439
to a term iij the Reform School and the other acquitted.
On Aug. 30, 1881, the Portland steamer " City of Rich-
mond " was wrecked by running upon Mark Island in a dense
fog. No lives were lost and several days afterwards the vessel
was raised and towed into Rockland.
Sept. 23, memorial exercises, in honor of the assassinated
President, James A. Garfield, were held at Megunticook Hall.
Eloquent and appropriate addresses were delivered on this
occasion by T. R. Simonton, Rev. C. G. M. Harwood, Rev. B.
C. Wentworth, Rev. W. R. Cross and Rev. C. P. Nash.
Joseph H. Bowers of Rockport died April 7, 1880, at the
age of 63 years. He was the son of Joseph Bowers and was bom
in 1818. He was a joiner by trade and an upright and honest
citizen. From the formation of the firm of Carleton & Norwood,
Mr. Bowers did the joiner work upon all the vessels built by the
firm and its successor, Carleton,Norwood & Co., until the time of his
death. Mr. Bowers was deeply interested in Masonry and was
several times master of St. Paul's Lodge. He married Elizabeth
W. Dillingham by whom he had the following children : Arabella,
Nellie J., Carrie, (who married Eugene R. Bowler) and Edwin H.
Austin Sweetland also a resident of Rockport, died April 9.
Mr. Sweetland was bom in Hope, Aug. 20, 1806, where he lived
until a young man when he removed to Rockport village and en-
gaged in the busi'ness of manufacturing lime. He subsequently
went into the grocery business. Mr. Sweetland was a lifelong
RepubUcan and in 1864 was appointed Postmaster of Rockport.
He held this office until his death, a period of seventeen years.
Mr. Sweetland was prominent in Masonic circles and in 1851 was
elected the twenty-second master of Amity Lodge. He was
largely instrumental in the organization of St. Paul's Lodge at
Rockport in 18SS and was its first master. Mr. Sweetland married
Sarah Archer of Waldoboro. He had four sons, viz : Edwin,
Oscar, Granville and Augustus.
Albert S. Eells, son of John Eells, died Oct. 23, aged 72
440 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
years. He was one of the early business men of Rpckport village
and was noted throughout life for his strict integrity and sincere
Christian character. Mr. Eells married Abigail Piper by whom
he had the following children : Agnes, Albert F., John H., and
Deborah, (who married Walter Tolman. )
Dr. John G. Thomas who died in December, 1881, was the
son of Glover Thomas, and was born in North Haven, coming to
Camden with his father when 10 years old. He spent his boy-
hood on the farm on " Belfast Road " now known as " Shelbourne,"
attended school in the " old red schoolhouse" and later at the
Camden village High School. As a boy and young man he was
remarkable for his fine physique and agility having no rivals in
the High School as a boxer, wrestler and all-round athlete.
He was one of the early graduates of the Castine Normal school.
He also took a special course at Phillips Exeter Academy and
a scientific course at Harvard. He was very successful as a
teacher and was for a time associate principal of the Hallowell
Classical Institute and was also principal of the Patten Academy.
He studied surgery at the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
New York, and graduated at the Bowdoin Maine Medical School.
He began practise in West Medway, Mass., but desiring a broader
field, removed to Worcester where he had a large and lucrative
practise. He is survived by a widow and one brother, Mr. Joseph
E. Thomas who lives on the "Belfast Road," Lincolnville.
Capt. George W. Thorndike, son of John and Sarah Thorn-
dike, and grandson of the pioneer Robert Thorndike, died Dec.
25, 1881, at the age of 66 years. Mr. Thorndike was born in
Searsmont, Maine, but his life was really spent in Camden. He
followed the sea for twenty-five years, and built the schooner,
Larmatine. When he left the sea he went into the tanning busi-
ness with James Scott and D. H. Bisbee. Later, Mr. Bisbee
retiring, the business was continued by the remaining two partners
until several years prior to Capt. Thorndike' s death. In religion
Mr. Thorndike was a Universalist. In politics he was originally
THE BRIDGE QUESTION AGAIN 441
a Whig, but left that party to help form the Republican party with
which he continued to indentify himself until 1872, when he
supported Horace Greeley for the presidency. When the Green-
back party was established he became one of its ablest champions
in this section. He cast one of the five Greenback votes cast in
Camden in 1877, and from that time contributed many articles
on the subject of currency reform to The Camden Herald, for
which paper he was correspondent for eight years. He was
greatly interested in the Masonic and Temperance societies of his
town, and at the time of his death was Deputy Grand Chief
Templar for Twombly Lodge, I. 0. G. T. In all that he under-
took, Capt. Thomdike was bold and radical without rashness.
" He dared to stand alone and battle for what he thought to
be right." Captl Thomdike married Theresa Barrett, daughter
of Ephraim Barrett. They had four children : William H.,
Theresa L., Emehne S., and Ephraim B.
1882. The annual March meeting this year was held on
the thirteenth of the month. A. D. Champney was elected Town
Clerk ; J. P. Wellman, Jere. Mclntire and A. Lamson, Selectmen
and F. H. Calderwood Treasurer. The town voted to purchase a
farm for the poor and subsequently the Hosmer Farm was pur-
chased for that purpose.
There had been considerable controversy about the liability
of the village corporation to pay to the town a tax upon its village
(Megunticook) hall, many claiming that it was legally taxable,
while others claimed that it was the property of a municipal cor-
poration and therefore could not be taxed. This year the town
decided to tax the property and passed the following vote :
" Voted to instruct the assessors to assess a tax on Megunticook
Hall building and lot at Camden village and also voted that the
assessors be instructed to refer the question of taxing Camden
village hall property to the Courts and act on their decision." ^
1. The sequel ol this vote was a law suit brought by the town against the
village corporation, which was reporied to the Law Court to determine
whether the village hall property could be legally taxed by the town_
442 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
This year the "Fupionists" re-nominated Gov. Plaisted, the
Republicans nominated Frederick Robie and the regular Green-
back party nominated Solon Chase, for governor. In addition to
these candidates the "independent" Republicans nominated
Warren H. Vinton and the Prohibitionists, William T. Eustis.
Mr. Robie was elected by between 8000 and 9000 plurality^ oyer
Gov. Plaisted thus bringing the Republican party back into power
in the state, which power it has continued to hold to the present
time.
In Camden Gov. Plaisted received S3S votes, Mr.Robie 317,
Mr. Chase 14, Mr. Vinton S and Mr. Eustis 1. Among the votes
cast for Representative to Congress was one for ''Rum Did It."
Wilder S. Irish, Fusionist, of Camden was elected sheriff
receiving in Camden 507 votes against 314 for his opponent.
Dr. Hosea B. Eaton, Fusionist, was elected Representative to the
Legislature, receiving 491 votes, while the Republican candidate,
Cornelius T. Hosmer, received 346, and Amos Barrett IS.
The George S.Cobb Post No. 63, Grand Army of the Republic,
was chartered October 26, 1882, at Camden village by Augustus
B. Farnham, Dep't. Commander of the state. Eighteen veterans
of the war of the rebellion were the charter members and the
following first officers were elected : John F. Tobin, Commander ;
James S. Cleveland, Adjutant and George E. Barnes, Quarter-
master. The Post took its name from a son of one of the old
and most esteemed families of the town, who early enlisted in his
country's defense, was a' young man of noble character and a
gallant soldier and who lost his life at Petersburg. The Post had
its headquarters in the Cleveland block until burned out in 1887,
but soon after found permanent quarters in the Caileton building.
The Law Court decided In lavor of the. village corporation on the ground
that " Buildings and other proptrly owned by municipal ooi-poratlon and
appropriated to public uses are but the means and instrumentalities used
for municipal and governmental purposes, and are therefore exempt from
general taxation, not by express statutory prohibition but by necessary im-
plication." 77 Me., 530.
THE BRIDGE QUESTION AGAIN 443
Elm street, where it was again burned out in the great fire of 1892.
After the re-building of the village it had excellent quarters in the
Curtis block until the building of its present hall on Mechanic
street which was completed in June, 1899. The Post has had
on its rolls 220 comrades. It lost quite a number of its members
when the Fred A. Norwood Post was organized at Rbckport, and
has lost many by death, but has always been and still is one of the
strongest Grand Army organizations in the state. ^
Rev. Edward Freeman, A. M., was born in Mendon,
Mass., April 2, 1806. He graduated from Brown University,
Providence, R. I., numbering among his classmates, Henry
B. Anthony, U. S. Senator from Rhode Island, 1859 - 1884 ;
Nathan F. Dixon, member of Congress from Rhode Island,
1849 - 185 1 and 1863 - 1871 ; Rev. Edward A. Stevens, D. D.,
Missionary to Burmah 1836 - 1886. Mr. Freeman began
life as a teacher in Bellingham, Mass., and Waterville,
Maine. In 1836 he was ordained a Baptist minister
serving as pastor of the churches of his denomiation in Oldtown
and Camden, Maine and Bristol, R. I. In 1843 he returned to
Camden and settled upon what has since been known as the
" Freeman Farm" on Belfast Road, where he passed the remain-
der of his life, carrying on the farm, preaching and teaching
school. He was for many years principal of the Classical School
in Camden village held iii the " Baptist Vestry," which was at
that time partly owned by Mr. Freeman. Under his tuition many
young men who afterwards became prominent and successful in
political, business and religious circles, were prepared for college
1. Members of the Post who held rank in the Army or Navy are as
follows : "Wm.P.SiiiiO"tontransferrKlfrom26th Regimentand commissioned
Lieutenant in the 8th ReglDient. Joseph F. Stetson, Ensign on V. S. S.
Savanah, Kensington and at U. S. Naval Rendezvous, North Atlantic fleet;
Eev. V. P. Wardwell, promoted First Lieutenant in 6th Regiment ; Gershom
F. Burgess, Lieutenant 8ih Regiment, brevetted Captain; David W. Arey,
promoted to Mate, U. S. S. Sabine ; Joseph B. Crane, Mate on U. S. S. Itasca;
Wm. F. Brown, Lieutenant 26th Regiment ; Arthur B. Arey, promoted to
Mate and served on V. S. S. Sabine, Colorado, Mendoto, Malvern, Alleghany
and Bienville ; Eev. C. P Nash, Chaplain, 7th Michigan Cavali-y.
444 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
among whom might be mentioned, Hon. Seth L. Milliken and
Rev. Dr. Nathaniel M. Wood. He also made a hobby of teach-
ing navigation and many who afterwards sailed their ships over
all the waters of the globe learned their navigation under Mr.
Freeman's instruction. Mr. Freeman also served for a time
as chaplain of the Maine State Prison. He was for a long time
superintendent of schools for Camden and held ■ other municipal
positions. Mr. Freeman was several times married. His first
wife, whom he married in 1834, was Harriet E. Golburn by whom
he had nine children, viz: Edward L., Sarah C, (who married
Esic Owen), Ellis C, Maria W., (who married Alonzo R.
Williams), Perrin P., Wayland B., Harriet D., Celia, (who married
Charles W. Arnold) and Franklin D. In 1853 Mr. Freeman
married for his second wife, Susan Glover, by whom he had four
children, viz : Julia C, John C, Phila F., (who married Theodore
Munroe), and Ralph. Three of Mr. Freeman's sons, viz : Ellis
C, Perrin P., and Wayland B., were brave soldiers, during, the
great rebellion, serving throughout the war. Mr. Freeman's
eldest son Edward L., went to Rhode Island as a young man
where he still resides, being one of the most prominent men of
that state. He was for 30 years a member of the Rhode Island
General Assembly and served both as Speaker of the House and
President of the Senate. He is Railroad Commissioner of Rhode
Island, (which position he has held for many years), and State
Printer. He is also one of the most prominent Masons of New
England, being Past Grand Master of Rhode Island and as
a Knight Templar, Past Grand Commander of Massachusetts and
Rhode Island. His son Joseph, has been twice elected Mayor of
Central Falls, R. I. Edward Freeman died in Camden, Jan. 28,
1882, at the age of nearly 76 years.
Dr. Rotheus E. Paine died May 31, of this year. He was
born at Exeter, Maine, Oct. 18, 1834 and was therefore in his
forty-eighth year at the time of his death. He graduated at the
Maine Medical School in the class of 1857 and entered upon his
THE BRIDGE QUESTION AGAIN 445
practise at Hampden, Maine. In 1863 he entered the service of
his country as surgeon of the 18th Regiment of Maine volunteers
and continued in the service until the end of the war. Soon after
the close of the war he settled in Camden and soon established a
large practise in this vicinity. Dr. Paine was a man of fine
presence and bearing and while in the army had a reputation as
the handsomest man in the 18th Regiment. He was a gentle-
man of pleasing manners and a well read physician. He was
much interested in poUtics being an ardent Republican. Dr.
Paine was one of Camden's most prominent Masons. He acted
for several years as secretary of both Amity Lodge and Keystone
Chapter and was the thirty-third Master of the Lodge and the
eighth High Piiest of the Chapter. He was District Deputy
Grand Master from 1873 to 1875. He was also a member of
Claremont Commandery, K. T., of Rockland and had taken many
of the degrees of the Scottish Rite. At the time of his death he
was Grand Royal Arch Captain of the Grand Chapter of Maine.
Dr. Paine was twjce married his first wife being Alta V. Pease,
and his second wife Marion Goddard of Washington, D. C. By
his first wife he had one daughter who died in infancy and one
son, Arthur C.
Henry Knight, one of the most successful business men that
Camden ever produced, died Nov. 7, 1882. Mr. Knight was
bom in Otisfield, Maine, Dec. 11, 1810, being almost 72 years of
age at the time of his death. He started out in life as a poor
boy and gained all his success by his activity and well directed
efforts. About the year 1843, he established himself in the stove
and tin business in Camden and about a year later married Miss
Jane Dyer of Searsmont. By his strict integrity, intelligent
business methods and hard work he accumulated a handsome
property. His store was located on Mechanic street on what has
since been known as the "Johnson Knight lot." In his later
years he took into partnership his sons Johnson and Henry to
whom he gave charge of the more active prosecution cf the business
446 HISTORY OF QAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
and devoted himself more especially to his farm and the care of
his property. When the Camden National Bank was organized
Mr. Knight was elected its first president which position he held
at the time of his death. Mr. Knight was a just and upright
man, never oppressing the poor but giving them long credit and
favorable terms. He was for years an esteemed member of the
Congregational Church and a most valuable citizen of the town.
To Henry and Jane Knight were born four children; Johnson,
Henry, Oscar A., and Elizabeth, (who married J. H. Montgomery.)
Joseph H. Mirick died Dec. 25. Mr. Mirick was the son
of Joseph Mirick, was born in Princeton, Mass., Sept. IS,
1806, and came to Camden as a boy with his parents. He was a
carpenter by trade. He was greatly interested in Masonry, being a
prominent member of Amity Lodge and for a long time its secretary
and was an upright and respected citizen. He married Mary
Bass and their children were, Joseph, Ephraim, Nathaniel and
Charles.
Mr. Mirick's brother, Augustus D. Mirick, .who died June
12, 1887, was bom in Princeton in 1808. He was a ship car-
penter by trade and in the fifties he, in company with Nelson
Pendleton ,did a shipbuilding business for several years, building
several vessels. He married Sarah Stetson, by whom he had four
children, viz : Frederick, Sarah Adelaide, William H., and
Elizabeth T.
At about this time Joseph H. Martin who had been one of
the most prominent citizens of Camden removed to Minneapolis,
Minn. Mr. Martin was the son of Alexander Martin and was a
native of Rockport village. Alexander Martin came to Camden
when a young man and was employed for a time by Dr. Joseph
Huse. Afterwards he went to Rockport village where he en-
gaged in the grocery business. He built the brick block on
Central street, Rockport, where the Post-office now is and was one
of Rockport's most highly respected and best known business
men. He married Harriet Tolman and their children were,
THE BRIDGE QUESTION AGAIN 447
Joseph H., and Edward. He died in April, 1880, at the age of
70 years. Joseph H., was born in March, 1845. He received
his education in the common schools of his town and one term
at a business college in Boston. When 16 years of age he went
into his father's store and at once developed so remarkable a
business capacity that he soon took charge of the business which
he looked after until he enlisted for the Civil War. He entered
the First Maine Cavalry Regiment but was soon transferred to the
staff of Gen. Adelbert Ames. After serving with honor in the
war, he went back into the store, and later (about 1866) formed
a partnership with his father and younger brother, Edward, which
firm manufactured lime and did a general mercantile business.
After removing to Minneapolis he carried on a brokerage business
in which he was very successful. Mr. Martin was an able busi-
ness man and distinguished for his integrity and sterling personal
character. He took great interest in politics. He served the
town as Representative to the Legislature in 1874 and 1875 and
was elected to the Senate in 1877. In 1878 he was his party's
candidate for Representative to Congress but was not elected. Mr.
Martin's popularity and the confidence that his townsmen had in
his ability and integrity, are attested by the fact that although a
Democrat, he always received many Republican votes whenever
he was a candidate for office. He died in the West in January,
1904. Mr. Martin married Isabella Whiting, by whom he had
one daughter, Mildred.
1883. At the annual meeting held March 12, A. D,
Champney was elected Town Clerk ; W. D. Pierce, J. W. Thorn-
dike and J. P. Simonton, Selectmen, and James Perry Treasurer.
Mr. Pierce resigned the position of first selectman soon after the
meeting and another meeting was held March 26, at which J. P.
Wellman was elected to fill the vacancy.
This year Mt. Battle Lodge, No. 102, 1. O. 0. F.,was instituted
at Camden village on March 27. Prior to this date twelve citizens
of Camden had received the degrees of the order in Waldo Lodge
448 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
No. 12, at Belfast, for the purpose of organizing the Lodge at
Camden. The officers of the Lodge installed at the time of its
institution were, Thomas C. Atwick, N. G.; L. M. Kenniston,
V. G.; Wm. H. Pascal, Sec'y.; Geo. Burd, Treas.; Fred D.
Aldus, Warden ; Isaac Coombs, Conductor ; Edwin S. Rose, R.
S. S.; Frank J. Wiley, L. S. S.; Edwin C. Fletcher, R. S. N. G.;
Augustus H. Knight, L. S. N. G.; Joseph H. Carleton, R. S. V.
G.; and Henry Knight, L. S. V. G. With the organization of
this Lodge, Odd Fellowship took a new start in Camden and has
from that time flourished. Mt.. Battle Lodge is now one of the
large and successful bodies of the order in Maine having an active
and vigorous membership of over 200.
Among the citizens of the town who died during this year
was Dr. Jonathan Huse who departed this life on Nov. 30. Dr.
Jonathan Huse was the son of Rev. Jonathan and Ruth Emerson
Huse, and was born in Warren, Maine, April 27, 1811. His
father was for many years pastor of the Congregational Church in
Warren. Dr. Huse received his early education at the well
known Warren Academy under the tuition of Cyrus Eaton, the
noted professor and historian and afterwards studied medicine with
his uncle, Dr. Joseph Huse of Camden. He also pursued a medical
course of study at the Medical School of Bowdoin College, (Maine
Medical School) where he graduated in 1832. He soon
afterwards commenced in Camden the practise of his chosen pro-
fession, which he carried on for the period of half a century. As
a physician Dr. Huse was skillful, discreet and successful. In
many ways he was years ahead of his time, strongly advocating
the modem ideas of out of door life, ventilation and diet, even
under vigorous opposition. His genial and affable manners and
broad common sense way of advising his patients accomplished
as much for the sick as the medicine he gave. Dr. Huse began
the practise of medicine in Camden during the lifetime of his
uncle, Dr. Joseph Huse, and in turn, his son. Dr. Benjamin D.
E. Huse, began practise here during his lifetime so that for a
THE BRIDGE QUESTION AGAIN 449
period of 110 years Camden has always had a "Dr. Huse" in
active practise. While giving his best efforts to his profession
Dr. Huse was deeply and actively interested in politics, being a
life long Democrat of the old school and never swerving from the
Democratic faith. He was Postmaster of Camden under President
Polk's administration and Deputy Collector of Customs under the
administration of President Pierce. He was one of the organizers
of St. Thomas Parish, was its Senior Warden for many years and
a liberal supporter of the Church. Says one of his neighbors :
"Pre-eminently was Dr. Huse a man of domestic tastes. He took
delight in his grounds, his trees, his rocks, his brook, his house,
his open fires, his pictures — all that makes home pleasant in a
material point of view. Not only in these, but in the affections
of a devoted and loving family he found and appreciated a lovely
home." Dr. Huse married in 1839, Mary Amelia Howe, daugh-
ter of Hon. Joseph Hall, and to them the following children
were bom : Marion E., Helen F., (who married Joseph F.
Stetson), Amelia T., Dr. Benjamin D. E., William H., and
Emma L., (who married Rev. Henry Jones, present Rector of
St. Thomas Church.)
1884. The annual meeting of 1884 was held March 10.
The following officers were elected : A. D. Champney, Town
Clerk; J. P. Wellman, J. W. Ingiaham and Otis A. Fish,
Selectmen and James Perry, Treasurer. It was voted to refund
the five per cent, town bonds by an issue of four per cent. 5-20
bonds to the amount of $31,000.
This year, once again, and for the last time the "bridge
question " raised its troublous head in town in an article being
inserted in the warrant for the March meeting to see if the town
would place an iron bridge over Goose River at Rockport village.
The voters were not ready for the question at that time and the
meeting was adjourned to April 14. It then re-assembled to con-
sider the purchase of the proposed bridge when it was " voted to
purchase an iron bridge of 159 feet span with iron joist, in place
450 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
of the wooden bridge now over Goose River at Rockport." It
was then voted to raise for that purpose 13,000 by assessment
and $10,000 by loan bearing interest not exceeding four per
cent. This action did not meet the views of all our citizens and
on May 24 another meeting was held to see if the town would
vote to rescind the vote to purchase a bridge as aforesaid, which
the town voted to do. This action, however, did not deter the
friends of the bridge from continuing the agitation in its favor
and on June 16 another meeting was called to vote again on the
same subject, at which it was again voted to " purchase an iron
bridge." This time the town voted to raise $12,000 for the
bridge $5,000 by assessment and $7,000 by loan bearing not
more than four per cent, interest. The result of these votes was
the present iron bridge at Rockport.
This year Gov. Robie was again the Republican gubernatorial
candidate. The Democrats nominated John B. Redman, the
Greenbackers, Dr. Hosea B. Eaton of Camden and the Pro-
hibitionsts, William T. Eustis. Gov. Robie was re-elected by an
increased majority. Dr. Eaton received 3,136 votes in the state
while the temperance people cast 1,151 votes for Mr. Eustis.
The Camden gubernatorial vote stood as follows : Robie, 374 ;
Eaton, 294; Redman, 202 and Eustis, 1. Wilder W. Perry of
Camden was the Greenback candidate for Representative to Cong-
ress receiving in his own town 251 votes to 428 for Nelson
Dingley, Jr., Republican, and 207 for David R. Davis,
Democrat. Thaddeus R. Simonton of Camden, Republican, was
this year elected senator. He received in Camden, 430 votes to
323 for S. J. Gushee, Democrat. Judge E. M. Wood was for the
fourth time elected Judge of Probate. His vote in Camden was
431, while his Democratic opponent, Chas. K. Miller of Camden,
received 278, and his Greenback opponent, John P. Wellman,
also of Camden, received 145. E. Frank Knowlton, Democrat or
"Fusion," was elected Representative to the Legislature, re-
ceiving 472 votes to 422 for John H. Eells, Republican.
THE BRIDGE QUESTION AGAIN 451
This year the constitutional amendment, forbidding the
manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors, was adopted by the
people of the state. In Camden the vote stood 471 in favor of
the amendment and 20 against its adoption..
The Republican candidates for presidential electors at the
November election this year had a plurality but not a majority of
the votes cast in Camden.
Mirror Lake Lodge of Good Templars was organized this
year at West Camden. The following were the first officers : A.
A. Mitchell, C. T.; Anna Clark, V. T.; M. S. Leach, Chap.
U. E. Leach, Sec'y.; L. M. Brewster, F. S.; H. U. Lamson, T,
E. B. Clark, M.; Nellie Tolman, I. G.; H. Bowley, Jr., 0. G,
Mrs. J. C. Mitchell, R. H. S.; Augusta Ingraham, L. H. S,
Florence Bowley, D. M.; Lizzie Michaels, A. S.; L. C. Miller,
P. C. T.
Paul Stevens was the son of Paul H. and Christiana (Ulmer)
Stevens of Lincolnville, Maine, in which town he was bom in
September, 1826. He came to Camden when a youth and
learned the tailor's trade and afterwards settled here as a mer-
chant tailor. He built the old "Burd Block" on the site of the
shoe store of George Burd, where he carried on his business for
many years. Mr. Stevens was a fine musician playing several
instruments with great skill. He was leader of the band organized
in Camden village in 1848 and of the one organized in 18S6,
both of which were fine musical organizations. In 1864
Mr. Stevens received the appointment of Assistant Librarian of
the Congressional Library in Washington, D. C, which office
he held for some twelve years. After retiring from that office
Mr. Stevens continued to reside in Washington doing a claim
agent's business, until a short time before his death wheii he
returned to Camden where he died July 30, 1884. Mr. Stevens
married Mary L. Wetherbee, by whom he had three children,
Horatio W., William H., and Edward C.
4S2 HISTORY or CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER LIII.
Mirror Lake Water.
1885. On March 9, the town voters met in annual meet-
ing and elected C. B. Veazie, Town Clerk ; Thomas A. Hunt,
J. W. Thorndike and J. P. Simonton, Selectmen, and Wm. H.
Pascal, Treasurer.
During this year Knowlton Bros., at Camden and S, E. & H.
L. Shepherd at Rockport, installed the first telephones used
in town.
John Whitmore, who died Feb. 1, 1885, at the age of 76
years, was born in Sedgwick, Maine in 1808. When a boy he
went to Vinalhaven, and as a young man removed to Lincolnville
where he lived until 1870, when he came to Camden where he
built the Jones house on Washington street and the Giles house
on Union street. He was a farmer by occupation. He
married Sally Calderwood and they were the parents of nine
children, viz : Mary J., (who married Oliver Butler), Mark C,
Olive, (who married C. R. Montgomery), Sabra, (who married
Sylvanus Young), Elvira, (who married Cyrus Hall), Martin V.,
Sarah A., (who married Adelbert Knight), Ellen, (who manied
Geo- Whitcomb), and Elizabeth, (who married L. D. Smith. )
All of these children except Mrs. Montgomery, are living today.
Frederick Conway, son of Richard, was born in the
year 1800, and died May 5, 1885. Mr. Conway was a mason by
MIRROR LAKE WATER 453
trade and in early life wrought in the construction of some of the
substantial brick blocks of Portland and Boston. He became a
Free Mason in early life and marched in the procession when
Lafayette assisted at the laying of the Corner Stone of the Bunker
Hill Monument, June 17, 1825. Shortly afterwards he located
permanently in Camden living at the old Conway homestead now
owned by his daughter. Miss JuUa Conway, standing almost
exactly on the town line between Camden and Rockport villages.
Mr. Conway was Deputy Collector of Customs under President
Polk's administration. He also traded for many years in the Hunt
building. Mr. Conway, especially in early life before afflicted by
disease, was a most genial, witty and companionable man. He
had an excellent memory and that keen wit pecuUar to the Irish
stock from which he sprang, and could tell a story with infinite
zest. He was greatly interested in Masonry and was elected
Master of Amity Lodge in 1847. He- was also a charter member
of Keystone Royal Arch Chapter. During his later years he was
an honored guest at all gatherings of local Masons being revered
as the last survivor of the " Immortal Nine." Mr. Conway was
for fifty years a member of the Congregational Church. In
politics he was a life-long and uncompromising Democrat. Mr.
Conway first married Juha A. Spofiord by whom he had two
children, Marcia I., and Julia A. For his second wife he
married Mrs. Mary B. Cochran, by whom he had one son, Freder-
ick H.
Oliver Morrill, died March 22, 1885, at the age of about 75
years. Mr. Morrill was born in Bordeaux, France, in 1810, but
came to America when eight years of age. He came
to Boston in a sailing vessel and from there came to Waldoboro,
Maine, where he remained until 1835 when he came to Camden.
Mr.Morrill was a ship-carpenter by trade, and was a good and valuable
citizen, always interested in the welfare of his town. In politics
he was a Republican from the organization of the party. Just
prior to his coming to Rockport village from Waldoboro, Mr.
454 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Morrill married Miss Esther Vinal of that town. They had three
children: Isadore, who was a music teacher and died in 1865 at
the age of 22 years ; Pelham C, and Edwin A., both of whom
are now living in Rockport.
One of the prominent business men of the town of Camden
was Jotham Shepherd. Mr. Shepherd was born in Jefferson,
Maine, April 30, 1808, and died May 27, 1885. In his early
days he worked on his father's farm and taught school. At the
age of twenty-four he located in West Camden, now West Rockr
port, and engaged in the manufacture of lime and subsequently
married Margaret In'graham, daughter of Job Ingraham. In 1834,
in connection with Job Ingraham, he. built the store at Rockport
which was occupied by him until he retired from business in 1880
and is now occupied by his sons. He entered actively into trade
and the manufacture of lime in Rockport. His great industry,
perseverance and business capacity, shown as one of the pioneers
who helped to build up one of the great business industries of
Rockport, which has made it one of the largest and most pros-
perous business places of the state, are worthy of recollection and
imitation by our younger business men. Mr. Shepherd con-
tinued in active business over fifty years. There were few, if any,
of the business men of the early days who were so largely and prom-
inently identified with and instrumental in building up Rockport
as Mr. Shepherd. When he located there in 1834 and built his
store there was scarcely a nucleus of a village. There were no
churches no stores, one old building called a school-house and
about a half dozen buildings altogether. The year his store
was built the old Carleton-Norwood store and the stone building
were verected. The Rockport of today with its modem improve-
ments in the way of raibroads, electric lights and telephones, its
varied industries, its wide-awake business men and firms and
active, thrifty population were not even dreamed of by the most en-
thusiastic. Not only in business but in the cause of education, re-
ligion and politics he was a man of decided views, and so far as he
MIRROR LAKE WATER 455
could moulded others to his own views, honestly believing them to
be the best. For many years he was a member of the Baptist
Church, always actively interested in its welfare and ready to con-
tribute liberally of his means for the promotion of its interests.
Originally a Whig in politics at the formation of the Republican
party he became a firm believer in its principles and policies and
Jotham Shepherd
worked earnestly for its success. In 1857 he entered into
partnership with Abel Merriam under the firm name of Merriam &
Shepherd, running a general store and manufacturing lime. In
1872 Merriam's interest in the company was purchased by R. E.
Jones and Samuel E. Shepherd and the firm of Shepherd,Jones &
Co. was established. In 1876 Capt. Jones retired from the
business and H. L. Shepherd was admitted. In 1890 the Com-
456 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
pany was incorporated under the name of S. E. & H. L. Shepherd
Co. with 1100,000 capital fully paid in. Mr. Shepherd had nine
children, five boys and four girls. One girl is now living, Julia,
the oldest of the family, who married Eben Thorndike. Of the
boys two are now living, Oliver P., and Herbert L. Samuel E.,
and Frank P., died in Rockport. Geo. W., sailed from Galves-
ton, captain of the bark '' J. G. Norwood" loaded with cotton
for Antwerp in Dec. 1876 and the vessel and entire crew were
lost. Fannie, deceased, married Wm. H. • Hopkins ; Maria died
at the age of four caused by accident ; Maria C, died at May-
aguez, Porto Rico, on board the schooner, " T. B. Witherspoon,"
Feb. 1880.
John Swann died June 4, 1885. He was born in England
in 1793, being therefore nearly 92 years of age at the time of his
death. He came to Pepperell, Mass., as a young man and there
married Nancy Bennett of that town. In 1825 he came to Cam-
den and went into the paper business with Leonard Follansbee.
He also manufactured paper for some time in company with
Ebenezer H. Barrett. Their paper mill was on the site of the
Mt. Battie woolen mill. After retiring from this business he con-
tinued to deal in rags and stock for manufacturing paper. Mr.
Swann was a Methodist and strongly attached to the demonina-
tion. He started alone to lay the foundation of the first Meth-
odist meeting house built in Camden village and was always a
strong supporter of the Church. John and Nancy Swann were
the parents of seven children, viz : William, Charlotte, (who
married Samuel Goodwin), James B., Mary, (who married John
Ames), Nelhe, John E., and Harriet E., (who married first, Isaac
Lovelandand second, Frank Hopkins.) The most of his de-
scendants now spell the name " Swan."
Dr. Joseph H. Estabrook an old resident, distinguished
citizen and well-beloved physician of the town died July 5, 1885.
Dr. Estabrook was the son of Rev. Joseph. Estabrook and was born
in Athol, Mass., Oct. 15, 1797. He graduated from Williams
MIRROR LAKE WATER 457
College in 1818 and from Harvard Medical School, 1821. The
same year he came to Camden and began the practise of his
profession. Two years later he married Caroline, daughter of
Samuel Jacobs, by whom he had nineteen children, probably the
largest family Camden has known since its settlement. Dr.
Estabrook was eminent in his profession, his name figuring among
Joseph. H. EstabrooK
the foremost physicans of the allopathic school of his day. As a
surgeon he is also said to have had but few superiors in the state.
He had, for more than fifty years, an extensive practise and ac-
quired a wide reputation as a consulting physician. The high
estimation in which he was held by his professional brethren is
evinced by his election to the ofHce of President of the Maine
458 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Medical Association in the fifties. For a number of years during
the last of his practise he had for a partner his son, Dr. Theodore
L. Estabrook, who practised for many yearh in Rock
land. Dr. Estabrook's reputation was not wholly confined to his
profession. He took great interest in pubUc afiairs and was not
unknown in the realm of politics. He was a strong Whig in
early life and was for years an important and able worker in the
ranks of his party. In 1834 and again in 1837 he was the Whig
candidate for senator. "This mark of approval" says Locke,
is not diminished by the fact that his party was unsuccessful in
electing their candidate." Most worthy as a man, honorable and
honored as a citizen, true and faithful as a friend, kind and lov-
ing as a husband and father, and eminent as a physician, Dr.
Estabrook is still remembered with affection and regard by the
older people of this section, and his picture adorns the walls of
many a Camden household. Dr. Estabrook's residence was the
brick house on Elm street on the lot next southerly of the Opera
House, being the last house totally destroyed in the conflagration
of 1892. The last six or seven years of his life he passed with
his son Dr. Theodore L., in Rockland where he died. Of the
nineteen children of Dr. and Mrs. Estabrook, six died in child-
hood, the remaining thirteen being, Joseph' H., Jr., Caroline J.,
(who married Wm. H. Hunt), Samuel, Benjamin R., Theodore
L., George C, Ellen E., Arabella 0., Eugenia T., (who married
Alonzo Sherman), Margaret V., (who married Geo. Warren),
Frederick R., Georgia, (who married Chas. Freeman), Edward L.
Four of the sons, Theodore L., George C, Frederick R., and
Edward L., became physicians, and two, George C, and Freder-
ick R., served as surgeons in the army during the Civil War, the
latter dying at New Orleans.
188(5. The annual meeting was held March 8. J. C.
Paul was elected Town Clerk ; Thomas A. Hunt, F. H. Shaw
and Daniel J. Andrews, Selectmen, and Wm. H. Pascal, Treasurer.
For governor this year the Republicans nominated Joseph R.
MIRROR LAKE WATER 459
Bodwell, the Democrats, Clark S. Edwards and the Prohibitionists,
Aaron Clark. Mr. Bodwell had an ample majority. ^ The Pro-
hibition vote this year reached 3,868 in the state.
In Camden Mr. Clark received lOS votes, Mr. Bodwell 339,
and Mr. Edwards 429. Thaddeus R. Simonton of Camden was
again a candidate for senator, receiving 363 votes in his own
town, against 347 for S. J. Gushee, Democrat. Mr. Gushee,
however, was elected by a plurality of a few votes in the county.
Charles A. Sylvester of Camden, Republican, was a candidate for
county commissioner receiving in Camden 373 votes to 360 for
Franklin Trussell, Democrat. Mr. Trussell was elected. This
year John H. Eells, Republican, and E. Frank Knowlton, Demo-
crat, were again the opposing candidates for Representative to the
Legislature, Mr. Eells being this time elected, receiving 459
votes. Mr. Knowlton received 385, and M. S. Leach, Prohibition-
ist received 29. ;
The Camden & Rockland Water Co. was this year prepar-
ing to put its mains into Rockport and Camden villages to
furnish the inhabitants water from Mirror Lake, and on Sept. 25,
a town meeting was called to act upon the question of the town's
contracting with the company for a supply of water for the ex-
tinguishment of fires and other public purposes, at which a com-
mittee consisting of W. A. Merriam, E. M. Wood, P. J. Carleton,
Wm. G. Alden and Edward Gushing was appointed to take the
matter under advisement.
It was voted at this meeting to " exempt from taxation a
Woolen Factory formed upon and out of the Gould & Co. Mill
Property on Megunticook Stream, to be operated by a Company
hereafter to be formed, and for a term of ten years." This action
was the encouragement given by the town that resulted in the
organization of the Camden Woolen Co. and was the first step
towards the creation of the prosperous section of Camden village
1. Mr. Bodwell died befoiv the expiration of his term and Sabastian S.
Marble of Waldoboro, President of ihe Senate, s-rved as governor for the
remainder of the term.
460 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
now known as "Millville."
At a meeting held Nov. 6, a proposal from the water com-
pany was presented to the town, the same being to furnish through
a ten-inch main and forty hydrants, water for extinguishing fires
in Camden and Rockport villages for $2,000 per year, • which
proposition was accepted.
Prior to this time there had again been much talk about a
railroad being built from Rockland to Camden, provided that the
town would subscribe $20,000 to aid the enterprise, and at this
meeting T. R. Simonton, Edward Cushing and John D. Rust were
appointed a committee " to consult about a Railroad to connect
with the Knox and Lincoln Railroad at Rockland and run to Cam-
den and report at our next March meeting."
This year on Jan. 21, the Fred A. Norwood Post, No. 146,
G. A. R., was organized at Rockport with thirteen charter mem-
bers. Gen. John D. Rust was the first commander, but owing to
the loss of the records we are unable to give the names of the
other oflScers. This Post is still existing and is in a flourishing
condition. ^
Col. Nathan C. Fletcher died Feb. 5, 1886, at the age of
about 80 years. Col. Fletcher was born at Newburyport, Mass.,
in 1806. He received his academic education at Readfield,
Kent's Hill and Monmouth in this state, and afterwards studied
for the ministry under Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, a Universalist clergy-
man at Maiden, Mass. He began preaching at Lewiston, Me.,
where he remained three years. In 1833 he came to Rockland
(then Thomaston) where he preached until 1848 when he went
to Belfast, occupying the Universalist pulpit there until 1854
when he came to Camden. After removing here he supplied
pulpits for a time in Kingston, N. H., and Baltimore but retired
1. The members of this Post, not already mentioned as members of the
George S. Cobb Post, holding rank in tli« army ni navy, are as follows : John
D. Rust, Colonel of the 8th Regiment, brevetterl Brigadier General; Dennis
P. Andrews, Captain 4th R. I. Regiment; Thomas Perry, Acting Ensign In
Navy and Barzilla H. Spear, Mate.
MIRROR LAKE WATER 461
from the ministry in 1855 and engaged in the business of a
druggist in Camden until 1877 when he retired from active busi-
ness. In 1836 and 1837 he represented Thomaston in the State
Legislature where he became distinguished as a debater. In
1839 he was a member of Gov. Fairfield's staff where he re-
ceived the title of colonel. He was chaplin in the navy for a
short time in 1845. Col. Fletcher was a life-long Democrat and
always took much interest in politics. He was a talented writer
and while located at Rockland for one year edited the Christian
^ Intelligence a Universalist periodical — then published at Gardi-
jTier — which afterwards became the Gospel Banner. He was a
constant contributor to newspapers, among his productions being
the Annals of Camden" from which we have frequently quoted
in compiling this history, which appeared in the Rockland
Opinion in 1883 and 1884. Mr. Fletcher was interested in
Masonry and while at Belfast was chiefly instrumental in organiz-
ing Corinthian R. A. Chapter and King Solomon's Council there
and was the first High Priest of the former body. Col. Fletcher
married Miss Lucy A. Prescott of Monmouth and to them were
bom the following children now living in Camden : Edwin C.
Fletcher, Adelaide R. Fletcher and Annie F. J. Fletcher.
1887. At the annual town meeting held March 14,
1887, A. D. Champney was elected Town Clerk ; Alden Miller,
Jr., J. S. Fuller and Daniel J. Andrews, Selectmen, and G. F.
Burgess, Treasurer. This was the first time for many years that
the town officers were all of a Republican ' complexion."
The railroad committee reported at this meeting recommend-
ing that the town pay one-half of the expense of a survey for the
proposed road provided the amount to be expended by the town
should not exceed $500, which recommendation was adopted.
Voted to exempt from taxation for ten years any parties or cor-
porations who will establish a Shoe Factory in the town of Cam-
den." This enterprise was, however, never established.
After this for quite a period there was more or less agitation
462 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
in town on the question of aiding the proposed railroad and at a
meeting held July 16, after more or less sparring on this question
the town voted to adjourn to August 20. When the voters again
assembled they vigorously discussed the railroad question, but
voted by the decided majority of 276 to S6 not to aid the project,
to the great disapointment of many who had again in imagina-
tion heard the shriek of the locomotive re-echoing among our
hills.
The Camden Woolen Company was organized April 16,
1887. The first officers of the Company were Wm. G. Alden,
Pres.; E. W. Gould, Treasurer; Reuel Robinson, Clerk; W. G. ■
Alden, J. H. Montgomery, W. G. Adams, G. F. Burgess, E. W.
Gould, W. P. Gould and W. H. Faunce, Directors ; W. H.
Faunce, Superintendent.
Mt. Pleasant Grange, No. 18S, was organized at West Cam-
dan in May, 1887.
The Mirror Lake water of the Camden & Rockland Water
Co., reached Rockport village on the evening of June 16. It
reached Camden village on June 17. ■^
On Oct. 16, an unknown man was found dead on the summit
of Mt. Megunticook. He had been shot by a revolver that was
found near him and it was supposed that he was a suicide. A
description of him was widely advertised but no one ever
appeared to claim an interest in him and his body was interred in
Mountain Cemetery by the authorities.
Capt. William A. Norwood died April 9, at the age of 79
years and 10 months. He was the son of Capt. William Nor-
wood, and lived for a time on the " Hall Farm " now owned by
Mr. H. L. Payson, and built the house there. He was afterwards
1. This lake is located 367 feet above s- a level and is fed ty pure springs.
The elevation gives a high pressure for Are purposes and the water for
domestic use is of great purity, giving Camden and Rockport the finest water
supply for all purposes of any city or town in New England. The purity of
the water supply has always been one of the attractiojis drawing summer
visitors and others to these towns.
MIRROR LAKE WATER 463
a merchant in Camden village. He married Eveline, daughter of
Ephraim Wood. Their children : Ellen M., Harriet W., William
E., Ephraim W., and George M. C.
The town lost a prominent citizen, April 19, 1887, in the
death of Dr. Hosea B. Eaton. Dr. Eaton was born in Plymouth,
Maine, March 22, 1822, and was a little over 65 years of age at
the time of his death. He obtained his education at the Maine
Medical School, Brunswick, Maine, graduating in 1845. He
entered upon his practise at Northport, Maine, but after remaining
there a few months removed to Vinalhaven where he remained
about a year and then came to Camden, settling in Rockport village
where he remained during the whole of his after-life. He began
practise as an allopathic physician but in 1855 became a convert to
homoeopathy and soon became one of the most prominent and suc-
cessful of that school of practise. He was president of the Maine
Homoeopathic Society, and vice president of the American Institute
of Homoeopathy. During the rebelKon he served as a volunteer
surgeon in the army. At the time of his death he had been in
active practise for forty years. Dr. Eaton was interested in all
municipal afiairs and always attended the meetings of the town
and was often called to preside over the town's deliberations as
moderator, making an excellent presiding officer. He was act-
tively interested in politics being an earnest Repubhcan until
1878 when he became converted to the principles of that party
whose votaries took their politics in by no means homoeepathic
doses, the Greenbackers. As a member of that party he was
elected to the Maine Legislature in 1881 and 1883, and in
1884 was the Greenback candidate for governor of Maine. Dr.
Eaton was a genial, well informed gentleman, a respected citizen,
and a " beloved physician" to many. He was a member of St.
Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M., and was the first Scribe of Keystone
Chapter, R. A. M. Dr. Eaton married Martha, daughter of John
Glover, and was the father of four children, John, Martha, (who
married Dr. A. F. Piper), Dr. Hosea B., Jr., and Thomas G.
464 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER LIV.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS.
1888. March 19, in annual meeting the town elected
A. D. Champney, Town Clerk; Alden Miller, Jr., John S. Fuller
and ElUot Orbeton, Selectmen and G. F. Burgess, Treasurer.
It was voted to refund the five per cent, bonds maturing
this year to the amount of $9,900 by the issue of four per cent.
bonds on five years time.
This year began the agitation in town which" led to its
division into the present two municipaUties of Camden and Rock-
port, and an article was inserted in the warrant for the March
meeting, " To see if the town will vote to divide the present
limits of Camden on some convenient line between the villages of
Camden and Rockport and to appoint a proper committee to
designate such line and to present the same to the next Legisla-
ture." The town was not at this time in the humor to go into
the divorce court and after an animated discussion it was voted
" not to divide the present limits of the town of Camden."
There were four gubematoriai candidates in the field this
year, viz ; Edwin C. Burleigh, Republican ; William L. Putnam,
Democrat; Volney B. Cushing, Prohibitionist; William H.
Simmons, Labor. Mr. Burleigh was elected, receiving a large
majority of the votes cast.
Camden had now swung into the Republican line, and at
the September election this year gave Mr. Burleigh 524 votes.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS 465
Mr. Putnam 440, Mr. Gushing 24, and Mr. Simmons 85.
Gershom F. Burgess of Garaden, Republican, was elected
one of the Knox County Senators, receiving in Camden 599 votes
to 414 for his opponent. Reuel Robinson, Republican, Ghas.
K. Miller, Democrat, and Samuel D. Sanford, Labor, all of Cam-
den, were candidates for Judge of Probate. Mr. Robinson re-
ceived 519 votes in Camden, Mr. Miller 471, and Mr. Sanford
53. Mr. Robinson was elected. J. H. Montgomery of Camden,
Democrat, was a candidate for County Attorney receiving 481
votes in Camden, but was defeated. H. C. Small of Camden,
Prohibitionist, received in Camden, 23 votes for Clerk of Courts.
James B. Swan of Camden, Labor, received in Camden, 83 votes
for County Commissioner. John H. Eells was again elected
Representative to the Legislature, receiving 5 85 votes, while J.
P. Wellman, Democrat, received 452 and Edward R. Ogier,
Prohibitionist; received 15.
At the presidential election this year the Republican can-
didates for electors received in Camden, 473 votes and the Dem-
ocratic candidates 327. Among the Republican electors chosen
at this election was Thaddeus R. Simonton of Camden.
This year the Custom House was removed from Camden to
Rockport village owing to the fact that a large amount of shipping
came into Rockport harbor at this time.
The winter of 1888 was one of great severity, being the
coldest since 1875. The harbors were frozen over and Camden
harbor, frozen over far beyond Negro Island, was for a long time
daily covered with skaters and ice boats.
On March 13, occurred one of the largest fires Camden
village ever had excepting the conflagration of 1892, in the de-
struction of the two large adjoining wooden Knight blocks on
Mechanic street. These buildings contained stores, offices and
the elegant new lodge rooms of Amity Lodge, F. & A. M. and
Mt. Battle Lodge, I. O. O. F., and were totally destroyed with
all the contents.
466 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
This year there was again considerable "railroad talk," the
project this time being a road across the country to Augusta,
which like the others never materialized.
We note this year the death of Joseph Henry Jones, a native
and old resident of Camden. Mr. Jones was the son of Joseph
Jones and was born July 4, 1829. He was engaged in the
shipping business here until about 30 years of age when he re-
moved to San Francisco, Cal., and there continued to be interest-
ed in the shipping business, and early in the sixties turned his
attention to mining and later became a member of the San Fran-
cisco stock exchange. Mr. Jones was of a genial disposition,
kind and charitable. In business he was distinguished for strict
integrity. He died in San Francisco, May 30, 1888, unmarried,
leaving a large estate.
Cyphrian M. Knight died June IS, 1888, at the age of . 70
years. Mr. Knight was born in Oxford County, but eaily came
to this section of the state, first settling in Freedom in Waldo
County, and from there going to Searsmont where he resided for
a time. From Searsmont he came to Camden in 1854, where (in
Rockport village) the remainder of his life was passed. Mr.
Knight taught many town schools in Thomaston, Hope, Camden,
etc., and carried on for a time a most excellent private school in
Rockport village, and was always interested in educational matters.
He also carried on a harness business and was the first telegraph
operator in Rockport village. He served in the army during the
Rebellion entering the D. C. Cavalry Regiment, being later
transferred to the First Maine Cavalry Regiment. In the same
Regiment was his eldest son Augustus H. Mr. Knight married
Evelina C. PuUen and the children born to them were Augustus
H., Frank C, and C. Fred,
1889. This year at the annual town meeting on March
19, C. B. Veazie was elected Town Clerk ; Alden Miller, Jr., .J.
S. Fuller and Elliott Orbeton, Selectmen, and G. F. Burgess,
Treasurer. The "bridge loan" of 47, 000 maturing this year it
ELECTRIC LIGHTS 467
was voted to refund the same by issuing five years notes bearing
not more than four per cent, interest.
At a meeting held April 13, it was voted to exempt for a
period of ten years a factory to be built on the " Bachelder' Water
Power " on Megunticook river, to manufacture woolen or cotton
goods. *
In the winter of 1889, Mr. Johnson Knight, having finished
his fine brick bl ck on the site of the wooden blocks destroyed
on Mechanic street and containing the Masonic and Odd Fellows
halls, put in an electric light plant to light it and afterwards
formed a company for lighting other buildings and the streets of
Camden and Rockport villages. ^
This year was organized at Camden village, the Business
Men's Association, a social club which also embodies a Board of
Trade and Village Improvement Society. Benjamin C. Adams
was its first President. It had rooms in Johnson Knight's brick
block until bui{ned out in the fire of 1892. After the re-build-
ing of the village it took possession of its present quarters in the
Opera House block. It now has a large membership and is one
of the flourishiig institutions of the town.
Rev. William H. Crawford died Feb. 18, 1889, at the age
of 67 years and 4 months. Mr. Crawford was the last of eight
"brothers, four cjf whom were Methodist ministers. He was bom
in Pownal, Maine, Oct. "4, 1821. He joined the Maine Con-
ference in 18411 and after three years of service there was trans-
ferred to the East Maine Conference where he continued until
1870 when on account of ill health he retired on the superannuated
list. He had an exceedingly active life while in the ministry,
having many good charges. Through his agency church build-
ings were built at Calais, So. Dresden, Round Pond, Bremen and
1. The Mesiunticook Woolen Mill.
2. This Company known as the Camden & Rockport Electric Light Co.,
several year? later leoame merged in the Roo.kland, Thomaaton & Camden
Street Railway, which now lights Camden, Rockport, Rockland and
Thomaston.
468 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Waldoboro and a parsonage at East Corinth. When he retired he
came to Camden where he carried on a milk business. He was
always deeply interested in educational and temperance work.
He served faithfully for twelve years as one of the Megunticook
District school directors. Mr. Crawford was naturally aggressive
but kind hearted and sympathetic. He was a good neighbor and
Nathaniel Talbot
citizen, afiectionate husband and father and warm hearted friend.
He married Julia A. Whittier of Comville who still survives him.
Their children are Rev. Geo. A. Crawford, for a long time a
Chaplain in the U. S. Navy, Carrie C, M. T. Crawford, Esq.,
and Rev. Wm. M. Crawford.
Hon. Nathaniel T. Talbot died at his home in Rockport
ELECTRIC LIGHTS 469
village, March 24, at the age of 75 years and 10 months. He
was the son of David Talbot and was bom in Turner, Maine. He
received his education at Colby University being a class-mate of
Gen. Benj. F. Butler. He came to Camden about 1838, where
he taught school and studied law in the office of Hon. Jonathan
Thayer. Having completed his legal studies he opened a law
office at Rockport where he assiduously practised his profession.
He entered the ice business with Gen. John D. Rust,
Joseph H. Gould and Hanson Andrews, under the firm
name of Talbot, Rust & Co., which business afterwards became
the present corporation known as the Rockport Ice Co. Mr.
Talbot was a Trial Justice for twenty years and served four years as
Judge of Probate for Knox County. He was always a man of
great energy of character, industrious and attentive to the duties
of his profession or business, and was regarded by his legal
brethren as a fair and honorable opponent. He was ever a great
friend of the cause of education and an uncompromising foe of
liquor traffic. He was a member of the Rockport Congregational
Church and of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M., and evinced a
great interest in the affairs of both societies. Judge Talbot
married Caroline Luce. Their children: Nathaniel T., Jr.,
Abbie E., (who married Orlando McCobb), Carrie, Millie, (who
married O. G. Lord), and George H.
Judge Talbot's brother David Talbot, who came to Camden
a few months after he did, was born in Turner, Nov- 22, 1808,
being the eldest son of David Talbot. He located in Rockport
village, where he became a ship-builder and owner and a hme
manufacturer, owning kilns and quairies. He carried on a general
mercantile business and was one of Rockport' s leading business
men from 1840 to 1880, when he suffered a stroke of paralysis
and died seven years later, April 13, 1887. Mr. Talbot was a
man of sterling qualities. He was for thirty years a member of
the Methodist Church and to him that society is largely indebted
for its church property. Like his brother, he was an uncom-
470 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
promising temperance man. Politically he was a Republican
from the foundation of the party. Mr. Talbot married, March 4,
1840, Eliza Achorn Brewster, daughter of John Achorn and
widow of Wm. Brewster. To them. were bor^ six children, three
of whom, two daughters and one son, lived to maturity, viz :
Calista S., (who married Henry J. Cole of Waldoboro), Clara B.,
(who married Dr. S. Y. Weidiaan), and David, Jr.
Sidney A. Jones, a native and former business man of
Camden and son of Joseph Jones, died in San Francisco, March
29. After being in trade here for many years he removed to the
far West and at the time' of his death was a citizen of the state of
Nevada. He married Ellen, daughter of James Furber of Belfast
and was survived by a son and daughter.
Harvey H. Cleveland, a representative business man of Cam-
den, died June 1, of this year at the age of 73 years. He was a
native of the town, born April 18, 1816, He spent his early life
on a farm and in teaching school, and is a good example of the
young men of Camden who have started out in life with nothing
but their brains and hands and have built up here their fortunes.
In 1854 Mr. Cleveland came to Camden village and established
the UnionStore" which he continued for eleven years and
which he made a successful business for himself and the stock-
holders, the stock having quadrupled in value during this time.
He then bought out the stockholders and continued the business
in his own name until 1868 when he took into partnership his
two sons James S. and George H., enlarging the business by the
manufacture of confectionery and wholesaling of fruit, etc., He
was subsequently for a time associated with Mr. Thomas C. At-
wick and finally retired from active business in 1881. He was
extensively interested in navigation, and when tfie Camden
Savings Bank was organized he was for several years Ass't.
Treasurer and Trustee. About 1860 he built a block on Maine
street which was destroyed by fire in 1887. He immediately built
a fine wooden block which went down in the great fire of 1892,
ELECTRIC LIGHTS 471
but was replaced by his estate in the fine brick structure now
standing on the site. Mr. Cleveland was the thirty-second Mas-
ter of Amity Lodge and was for many years its Treasurer. He
was also a prominent member of Keystone R. A. Chapter. He
married Dorcas Simonton, by whom he had the following
children, viz: Mary F., (who married Moses L. Parker), Sarah
E., (who married Ephraim M. Wood), James S., Orilla D.,
(who married Charles Blanchard), and George H. :
Hon. Ephraim M. Wood another distinguished and esteemed
citizen of the town, died June 2, at the age of 71 years. Judge
Wood was the son of Ephraim Wood and was born in
Camden, May IS, 1818. His education was received
in the common schools of his native town, where he
passed the whole of his life. For forty-five years he acted as
Steamboat Agent. He also acted as Express Agent for thirty
years, and did an insurance business. He was a Republican in
politics and took great interest in all public affairs, municipal,
state and national. He represented Camden in the Legislature
three times, in 1853, 1854 and 1861. Five times he was elected
First Selectman and later he served five years as town Treasurer,
He was also for several years Treasurer of Camden Village Corpora-
tion. He was Inspector of Customs from 1865 to 1867. In
1872 he was elected Judge of Probate for Knoi County and
was three times re-elected, serving in that capacity for sixteen
consecutive years, when he decUned a fifth nomination. Although
not a lawyer by profession, Judge Wood possessed, to an eminent
degree, a judicial mind, which together with his keen sense of
justice, caused him to be exceedingly successful in the judicial
position that he filled so long and so well. His attitude almost
always gave perfect satisfaction to the members of the legal pro-
fession who practised before him, who learned to place full con-
fidence in his integrity. His decisions, from which appeals were
taken, were seldom overruled by the Supreme Court. Judge
Wood was a lifelong supporter and constant attendant upon the
472
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
services of the Camden Baptist Church and for twenty-five years
he was teacher of the Bible Class in the Baptist Sabbath School.
A good neighbor, a valuable citizen, an able official, a just judge
and an honest man, his memory will long be respected by the
people of his native town and county. Judge Wood married
Sophia N., daughter of Nathaniel and Nancy Hosmer, Oct. 30,
Ephraim M. Wood
1845. To them were born the following children : George F.,
Edward C, Ephraim E., Emma B., and Helen M., (who married
Ernest F. King.) Mrs. Wood died, Sept. 29, 1865, and on
March 26, 1868, he married Sarah E., daughter of Harvey H.
Cleveland. The two children of this union are Charles C, and
Edward B.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS 473
Hon. Edward Gushing died July 22, 1889. Mr. Gushing
was born in Hanover, Mass., in 1819. He came to Gamden
when a boy to live with his uncle, Benjamin Gushing. He started
business in Gamden in partnership with E. M. Wood in the dry
goods business, which they carried on for a time in the brick
building on the comer of Main and Gommercial streets. Sub-
sequently in company with William Johnson of Belfast he bought
the old Megunticook House and enlarged and rebuilt it making
the present Bay View House, which they conducted for. a time.
The greater part of Mr. Gushing' s business life, however, was
spent in the steamboat business, beginning in early life as clerk
on the State of Maine, of the Portland and Bangor line. He was
one of the originators of the Portland, Bangoi and Machias
steamboat line, and was General Manager of the same for years.
He was also prominently connected with other steamboat enter-
prises. In politics Mr. Gushing was always a Democrat. He
served his town in many municipal capacities. In 1870, he
was Representative to the Legislature, and in 1874, he was a
member of the Maine Senate. At one time his name was prom-
inently before a convention as a candidate for the gubernatorial
nomination. Under President Gleveland's administration he was
Collector of Customs for the port of Belfast. Mr. Gushing was
widely known and highly respected in this and neighboring states.
He was 70 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Gushing
married Elizabeth W. Wetherbee, by whom he had three daughters,
Mary S., (who died young), Elizabeth F., and Alice, (who
married John W. Tufts. )
Israel Decrow, who died Oct. 27, 1889, was born in Lincoln-
ville, Maine, Feb. 5, 1816. In early life he was a joiner by trade
but subsequently opened a store at Lincolnville Beach and later
with Austin Knight, under the firm name of Decrow & Knight,
built several vessels. He also built several vessels alone and
in company with Capt. Isaac Coombs. In 1863, he came to
Camden and purchased the property afterwards known as the
474 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
" Ocean House." After coming to Camden he built vessels in
the Clary yard and later with Capt. Coombs. During the last of
his life he was proprietor of the Ocean House, popular in those
days as a transient and summer hotel. He possessed the esteem
and confidence of the citizens of both his native and his adopted
town. Mr. Decrow was for a long time a member of both Amity
Lodge and Keystone Royal Arch Chapter and was one of the early
members of Mt. Battle Lodge, I. O. 0. F. He married Ruth J.
Thomas. Their children who reached maturity are Georgiana,
(who married William G. Alden), Israel E., Emma J., and
Winnifred, (who married Richard C. Lichtenstein.) The Ocean
House was used as a summer hotel for several years after Mr.
Decrow' s death when it was totally destroyed by fire.^
An old citizen who will be long remembered for his unique
character, passed away Nov. 11, 1889, in the death of William S.
Barrett at the age of 78 years. Mr. Barrett was the son of
Daniel Barrett and was born on his father's Beauchamp farm. In
early life he was injured while working on the highway by a
premature blast, his breast being blown open and his head
penetrated with stone- He was not discouraged but took the
rugged farm on the western slope of Mt. Megunticook received
from his father, not worth 1100, and taxed for only $75, and pro-
duced therefrom productive orchard, grapery and fields. In the
little house perched upon the mountain side near the lake he
lived for nearly SO years amid some of the wildest and most
romantic scenery of the state, making the rugged and desolate
locality to blossom as the rose, adding beauty to his rough and
romantic mountain home. He became noted for many years for
his extensive and successful culture of grapes. He was also an
adept in bee culture owning many hives and swarms. His
character and appearance were as rugged and picturesque as the
locality in which he made his home. He had a vivid imagination
and was an interesting story-teller. He possessed a stentorian
voice, which he raised in town meetings when matters which
ELECTRIC LIGHTS 475
interested him were under discussion, and in many ways impressed
his personality upon the community. Mr Barrett married
Martha Pendleton. Their two daughters were Mary, (who
married Hanson Beverage) and Josephine, (who married Mark
Calderwood)
476 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER LVI.
THE TOWN Divided.
1890. Another decade ended, the last in the history of
the good old town, for the forces were at work which were to
result in its being rent asunder and of two new towns taking its
place. After a century of common history the two sections were
about to dissolve the long continued partnership and exist apart
for the future.
This year, 1890, found Camden with a population of 4631 an
increase of 245 over 1880, and of fourteen fold in the century.
The number of polls and the valuation had both largely increased
during the decade, the polls having reached 14 IS in number
while the valuation stood at $2,908,737. All parts of the town
were in a prosperous condition, business was good, manufacturing
flourished, and all who wished could find plenty of means of
livelihood; but a spirit of unrest existed, the microbe of discontent
was in the blood of our people.
Among the many things that entered into the agitations of
the year was the railroad question, both steam and electric. A
steam railroad company known as the Rockland, Rockport & Cam-
den R. R. Co. had been organized with Wm. T. Cobb of Rock-
land, President, which early in the year, rnade a proposition to
the town to construct, equip and run a railroad from Rockland to
Camden village, provided the town would vote to aid it to the
extent of 140,000 to be paid after the road was completed. This
THE TOWN DIVIDED 477
amount was later reduced to $25,000, and an article in the warrant
of the annual meeting, held March 17, called for a vote on that
question. After a spirited debate, a vote was taken which resulted
in 242 votes in favor of aiding the railroad enterprise to the ex-
tent of raising $25,000 and 252 votes against it, thus ending the
hope of getting the road by town aid.
At this meeting C. B. Veazie was 'elected Town Clerk ; D.
A. Campbell, E. H. Piper and Elliot Orbeton, Selectmen ;
Isaac Coombs, Treasurer.
After completing a portion of the town business, an article
of the warrant relating to the question of dividing the town was
taken up. This precipitated another lively and eloquent dis-
cussion, after which it was voted '"to divide the town into three
towns," and a committee was appointed to establish the necessary
lines. The members of this committee were unable to agree, and
at a meeting held Sept. 6, two reports were presented to the
town, both of which were rejected, and the town voted to re-
consider its action at the annual meeting to divide the town and
appointed a committee to draft and present to the next Legislature
a bill for an act dividing the town into three or more voting
precincts.
At the annual meeting a committee was also appointed to
" take up the matter of writing and publishing the history of the
town to the year 1891 " and report at the next annual meeting.
On account of the division of the town prior to the date of the
said next annual meeting nothing was ever done under this vote.
It was also voted at the annual meeting to exempt from
taxation for ten years a " shoe factory of not less than $10,000
capital to be located at Rockport," an enterprise that never ma-
terialized.
Gov. Burleigh was this year re-nominated by the Republicans.
William P. Thompson Was the Democratic candidate, Aaron
Clark the candidate of the Prohibitionists and Isaac C. Clark of
the Labor party. Mr. Burleigh received a large majority.
478 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
The Camden vote for governor was as follows : Burleigh
4S4 ; Thompson 412 ; A. Clark 52 ; I. C. Clark 60. Geo. T,
Harkness, Republican, Isaac W. Sherman, Democrat, Frederick
A. Packard, Prohibitionist, all of Camden, were candidates for
Senator. Mr. Sherman was elected, the vote in Camden being
as follows : Harkness 416; Sherman 502 ; Packard 45. Johnson
Knight, Republican, was fleeted Representative to the Legislature
receiving 542 votes, while Ralph W. Carleton, Democrat, re-
ceived 404, and C. E. Eells 28. The local issue of the division
of the town entered largely into the vote for Senator and Repre-
sentative, Sherman and Knight living in Camden village being
voted for by many Camden residents irrespective of party against
Harkness and Carleton who resided in Rockport village.
As the town had failed to aid the railroad an attempt was
made during the year to raise the necessary 125,000, by sub-
scription, $15,000 of which was apportioned to Camden village
and $10,000 to Rockport. Camden subscribed nearly the
whole of the amount apportioned, and Rockport citizens also sub-
scribed towards their part, but this project like others fell through
at the division of the town.
Among the prominent Camden men who died this year,
were Albert Johnson of Camden and Dr. O. D. Ross of Rockport,
both of whom died May 16, and Gen. John D. Rust of Rockport
who died Nov. 22.
Albert Johnson was bom in Levant, Maine, and was 70 years
of age at the time of his death. He learned the business of
manufacturing woolen goods at Vassalboro, Maine. He went to
Warren in 1842 and shortly afterwards in company with Andrew
Fuller began there the manufacture of woolens. In 1864 John-
son and Fuller came to Camden and entered into partnership with
Samuel T. Thomas of Laconia, N. H., and Horatio Alden, under
the style of Johnson, Fuller & Co. and began the manufacture of
paper-maker's felts, being the first to manufacture endless felts
in the United States. This business was the beginning of what
THE TOWN DIVIDED 479
afterwards became Camden's most prosperous manufacturing con-
cern, the Knox Woolen Co., which was organized in 1870, with
Mr. Johnson as Treasurer. This office he held until 1881, when
he was elected both Treasurer and Superintendent, both of which
positions he was filling at the time of his death. Mr. Johnson
was a noted wool expert and as such was widely known through-
out New England. He was thoroughly honorable, kind and warm-
hearted and was greatly beloved and respected by all his em-
ployes, never having the least trouble with his help in all the
times of strikes and labor troubles. He was public spirited and
greatly interested in municipal and political affairs, always being
a staunch Republican. As a recreation he indulged his taste for
the manufacture of violins, many of which were of a very fine
quality. He was a member of Mt. Battle Lodge, I. 0. O. F.
He married Nancy C. Libby and was the father of three daughters,
Sarah G., (who married John Woster), Mary F., (who married
John C. Curtis) and Caroline D. (who manied George H. Talbot),
and one son, Albert J. Johnson of Boston.
Dr. O. D- Ross died at Charleston, S. C, where he went
for his health. He was assistant surgeon in the army in the
Eighth Vermont Regiment, being commissioned Sept. 17, 1863,
and serving until the close of the civil war, shortly after which
he located at Rockport where he practised his profession until his
health failed, a short time prior to his death. Dr. Ross enjoyed
the respect and esteem of all classes. As a physician he was a
"friend indeed," doing his best to relieve suffering without
thought of future remuneration. At the time of his death he was
Master of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M. He married Carrie
Barrett.
William E. Norwood, a native and former citizen of Camden,
died in September of this year at San Francisco, Cal. Mr. Nor-
wood was the son of William Norvsrood and was a successful and
highly respected business man of the town. In the civil war he
enlisted in Co. F., 26 Maine Regiment, of which he was com-
480 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
missioned Lieutenant. He was an able oflBcer and capable soldier,
tireless on the march and fearless in battle. After the war he
removed to California where he became a successful stock broker
and at the time of his death was President of the San Francisco
Stock & Exchange Board. He married Isabel Hooper. They
had one daughter, Evelyn.
Gen. John D. Rust was a native of Belmont, Maine, and
brother of Hon. William Rust, late editor of the Belfast Age.
When about twenty years of age, in the year 18SS, Gen. Rust
came to Rockport. Shortly after coming here he was for a time
proprietor of the Rockport House. He began his military career
in 1858 as Aid-de-Camp upon Gov. Lot M. Morrill's staff with the
rank of Colonel. In 1861, he organized Co. H. Eighth Maine
Regiment, and enrolled his name as a private therein but was
afterwards commissioned Captain, and shortly afterwards was made
Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment. He soon became Colonel on
the resignation of Col. Lee Strickland. He was afterwards brevetted
Brigadier General by the President. The record of this
commander and his gallant troops in active service from Septem-
ber 1861, has already been given and constitutes a bright page in
the annals of the war. After the war Gen. Rust went into the
ice and lumber business at Rockport, being one of the founders
and managers of the Rockport Ice Co. He was also a member
of the firm of Rust, Mowry, Payson & Co., clothing manufacturers
at Rockland. Gen. Rust was an- active politician and took a
lively interest in the Republican party. He also took great in-
terest in the welfare of his town and village. He possessed
generous impulses, strong convictions and great executive ability
which made him a successful leader in both military and civil life.
He was one of the founders and first commander of the Fred A.
Norwood Post, G. A. R. Gen. Rust was twice married, his
first wife being Miss Ann Rust, by whom he had two
children, Georgia and Oscar. His second wife was Mrs.
Sarah M. Payson, nee Loring.
THE TOWN DIVIDED 481
1891. Early in the year the question of an electric rail-
road to Rockland was discussed. The Rockland, Thomaston &
Camden Street Railway was to be chartered by the Legislature
and its promoters were anxious to have the right to build and
operate a line from Rockland to Camden village in the spring of
1891, and with that purpose in view petitioned the Selectmen for
a location. A hearing was had by the Selectmen early in January
and much opposition developed in town, especially in Camden
village, where the hope of eventually getting a steam road was
not yet dead. The hearing was a lively and spicy one and the
Selectmen decided adversely to the petition of the street railway
people, giving as the reasons for their action, ' Because it would
be for the best interests of the town to have a steam road which
an electric road would hinder, and because the sentiment of the
town is strongly against the construction of an electric road."
The all absorbing question at this time, before which all
other matters had to take a surbordinate position, was the division
of the town. Notwithstanding that the town had voted not to
divide, a large number of the people of Camden village determined
to ask the Legislature to set off the northerly part of the town
from the original township and a very large petition early in the
session, was presented to the Legislature. The Rockport people
and others from the southern portion of the town as strenuously
opposed the division and a very large remonstrance was also pre-
sented. Meetings were held in both villages to arouse the people
for and against the division, sectional feeling ran high and section-
al virulence became so acute that for a time it was hardly safe for
a Rockport man to favor the proposition to " divide " or a Cam-
den man to oppose it. All this resulted in almost every voter on
the Camden side of the proposed line, whatever his original feeling
on the question may have been, signing the petition and almost
every voter on the Rockport side attaching his name to the re-
monstrance. The bill dividing the town was referred to the
legislative committee on towns. A bill embodying a charter to
482 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKFORT
make Camden a city was also referred to the same committee.
A large number of the prominent men of both sections made
Augusta their home for a greater portion of the time while the
bills were pending and the committee hearings were attended by
many others. When the committee reported it was found that it
was equally divided, five reporting that the bill " ought to pass "
and five giving the petitioners "leave to withdraw," and the fight
was at once transferred to the House of Representatives, where
after a long and stubborn debate it was passed in February, almost
one hundred years to a day from the date of the act of incorpora-
tion of the town. ^ The act was also passed bj the Senate, and
reads as follows :
Sect. 1. All that part of the town of Camden lying norther-
ly of the following described Une, namely : beginning on the
shore of Penobscot bay, on the original north line of the Daniel
Barrett farm ; thence north forty-five degrees west, by said line,
thirty-six hundred feet to stake and stones at the head of Lily
Pond, so called, in southerly line of Jacobs' farm, so called ; thence
north twenty-nine degrees and forty minutes west, nearly, by
said Jacobs' line and over Union street, one thousand three
hundred and ninety-seven feet, to the Carleton burying ground ;
thence northeasterly on line of burying ground, thirty-two feet to the
easterly corner thereof; thence north twenty-nine degrees and
forty minutes west by line of said burying ground, one hundred
and forty-two feet to the northerly corner thereof ; thence south-
westerly on line of said burying ground, thirty-two feet to the
Jacobs' line aforesaid ; thence north twenty-nine degrees and
forty minutes west on said line, one thousand two hundred and
forty feet to the southeasterly side of the back road to Rockport ;
thence north sixty one degrees west to summit of Ragged
mountain at a copper bolt set in the ledge by the United States
coast survey ; thence to Hope line by a line parallel to the north
line of Rockland; together with the inhabitants thereof, is in ■
corporated into a separate town by the name of Camden, and the
said town of Camden is hereby invested with all the powers and
1. This fact was noted by some of the legislative speakers against the bill who
suggested in their remarks, in substance, that the people of Camden ought, at that
time,to be celebrating their centennial anniversary instead of fighting for a divorce.
THE TOWN DIVIDED 483
privileffes and subject to all the duties and obligations incident to
other towns of the state, and the name of the residue of the
town of Camden, southerly of the line aforsaid, is hereby changed
to Rockport.
Sect. 2. The several inhabitants of the town of Camden
shall be holden to pay all taxes which have been legally assessed
upon them by the town of Camden, and collectors of taxes for
said town of Camden are hereby authorized and required to
collect and pay all taxes to them already committed according to
their respective warrants. All moneys now in the treasury of
said town of Camden and all sums which shall hereafter be re-
ceived from taxes heretofore assessed, shall be applied to the
several purposes for which they were raised, and in case of any
excess, said excess shall be applied by the treasurer of Rockport
in payment of the indebtedness of the original town of Camden.
Sect. 3. The existing liabilities and obligations of the
town of Camden shall be divided as follows : the town debt shall
be borne by said towns in proportion to the valuation of their
respective territories as taken by the assessors in April, 1890, in-
cluding the property of the Camden Woolen Company and the
property of the Megunticook Woolen Company, at an appraisal,
ratable to the appraisal of property of similar industries the same
year. The obligations of the town of Camden shall be borne by
each town in the foregoing proportion except its contract with the
Camden and Rockland Water Company, which shall be borne by
each town in proportion to the number of hydrants used by each.
All paupers now supported by the aid of the town of Camden,
shall after division, be maintained and supported by the town in
whose territory they resided when they became paupers,except those
now supported on the poor farm and insane asylum, the support
of which shall be borne by the two towns in proportion to their
respective valuations. Each town shall henceforth bear all ex-
penses for the care and maintenance of all roads and bridges with-
in its respective limits.
Sect. 4. The town farm of the town of Camden and all
the personal property therein shall be held and owned in common
by the said town of Camden and said town of Rockport in propor-
tion to the valuation of their respective territories and they shall
sell and convey said farm and personal property at the request of
either, and distribute the proceeds thereof between them, in the
484 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
like proportion, or may partition said farm according to law. All
the other real property of the town of Camden shall be held and
owned by the said towns of Camden and Rockport respectively,
by the town where said property is located. All the personal
property of the town of Camden shall be held and owned
by the town in possession thereof. The books and papers and
records of the town of Camden shall be retained by said town of
Rockport, and each town shall have access to , the same. No
compensation for this apportionment of the real and personal
property of the town of Camden is to be made by either town.
Sect. S. The several school districts divided by this act
shall be subject to all the provisions of law applicable to school
districts composed of parts of towns.
Sect. 6. Any justice of the peace in the County of Knox
may issue his warrant to any legal voter in the town of Camden,
directing him to notify the inhabitants thereof to meet at a time
and place specified in said warrant, giving at least seven days
notice therefor, for the choice of town officers and to transact
such business as towns are authorized to do.
Sect. 7. This act shall take effect when approved. ^
After the approval of the above act by the governor on Feb-
ruary 25, 1891, the old town of Camden ceased to exist and the two
present towns took its place. Since then the most of the resent-
ment and heart burnings engendered by the division struggle
have dissappeared and the two beautiful neighbors join friendly
hands in the promotion of whatever may be for their common
interests.
2. Private and Special Acts of Maine, 1891, page 177. On page 244 of same
Acts, another Act approved March 4, 1891, set off the lime quarries to Rockport
because their owners lived in that town. This act is as follows :
" The following tract of land together with the inhabitants thereof, is hereby
set off from the town of Camden and annexed to the town of Rockport : beginning
at a stake and stones at head of Lily Pond, so called, in the southerly line of the
Jacobs' farm, so called, thence running south eighty-five degrees east on the
westerly line of the Ogier farm, about forty rods to land of Gershom F. Burgess ;
thence north twenty degrees west by land of said Burgess and land of Carleton,
Norwood and Company, about seventy rods to the westerly side of Union street,
fourteen rods northerly of the northerly side of the quarry of Carleton, Norwood
and Company ; thence southerly by the westerly side of Union street, to the
THE TOWN DIVIDED 48S
southerly line of said Jacobs' farm ; thence on said southerly line to the point of
beginning."
By the following act approved March 28, 1893, the Chestnut street cemetery
was set off to Eockport, viz :
" The following tract of land is hereby set off from the town of Camden and
annexed to the town of Bockport : a certain cemetery known as the Bay cemetery,
situated on the east side of the road leading from Eockport to Camden village
past the residence of Amos Barrett, and bounded northerly and easterly by land
of A. M. Judson, southerly by land of estate of H. B. Eaton and westerly by road
above mentioned." See Private and Special Acts of Maine, 1893, page 913.
486 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER LVII.
THE Great Fire.
1891. In March following the act of division the two new
town governments were organized and henceforth the two separate
sections of the old town were to travel different though parallel
paths.
The first Camden town meeting was called as provided
in the act, on March 16. It was a lively and more or less turbulent
meeting, presaging to a certain degree what the town's municipal
life was to be. A large vote was cast for the town officers and
the elections were very close, the first selectman being elected by
only two majority. The town elected a separate board of
Selectmen and Assessors, which, however, it discontinued to do
after this year. The principal officers elected were as follows :
Charles C. Wood, Town Clerk ; T. A. Hunt, 0. B. Wooster and
Rodney Beverage, Selectmen ; J. W. Ogier, M. C. Whitmore
and Charles Murphy, Assessors ; and Isaac Coombs, Treasurer.
Among the amounts raised for various purposes were the following :
school, $2,000; support of poor; $1500; repair of roads and
bridges, $2200 ; labor on roads and bridges, $7,000; expense of
dividing town, $3900. The whole amount of tax assessed this
year was $25,134.46. The meeting was adjourned to a future
date for the purpose of considering an article in the warrant rel-
ative to raising by loan a sum of money to aid in the extension of
the Knox & Lincoln,. R. R., to Camden. When the meeting re-
THE GREAT FIRE 487
assembled on June 8, it was voted to raise the sum of $25,000
for that purpose, thus doing in the new town what the old town
had failed to do the year before. A celebration followed this
vote and Camden people again heard in imagination the whistle
of the iron horse re-echoing among their hills ; but as ever their
expectations were not realized.
The first Rockport town meeting was called upon the same
day (Maxch 16) by a warrant issued by the Selectrtien of the old
town, two of whom lived within the limits of Rockport. This
meeting was conducted calmly and without any serious contest,
presaging the quiet and peaceful course of the town's future
municipal life. The principal officers elected were as follows :
Clarence Paul, Town Clerk ; G. H. M. Barrett, E. Orbeton, and
Chas. A. Sylvester, Selectmen ; L. H. Lov.ejoy, Treasurer. Among
the amounts raised for various town purposes were the following :
schools, $2200; support of poor, $1800; repair of roads and
bridges (by cash tax) $4,000; on town debt, $5,000. ^ The
whole amount of tax assessed this year was $24,459.60.
Dr. Francis N. Wheeler, died June 12, 1891. Dr. Wheeler
was born in Corinth, Me., March 12, 1844. He received his
early education in the common schools and afterwards graduated
from the Commercial College at Bangor. Later he began the
study of medicine and graduated from the Maine Medical College
in 1871 and at once began the practise of his profession at Stet-
son, but three years later settled in Exeter where he had a success-
ful and extensive practise for thirteen years. The hard country
practise, however, was too much for his health and in 1886 he
sold out and came to Camden and formed a partnership with his
brother-in-law. Dr. Oscar W. Stone, which continued until his
death. Sept. 5, 1873, Dr. Wheeler married Miss Sarah E.
Pierce, a teacher in the Bangor schools. He was from his youth
1. The town debt of the old town at the tune of division amounted to S50,lll.-
15. This amount was appoHioned to the two new towns as follows: Camden,
$27,766.59 ; Rockport, $22,344.66.
488 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPOET
a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and ex-
emplified his religious professions in all his daily walks.
James Perry died February 19, .1891, at the age of 72 years.
He was born in North Haven, June 21, 1819, being the eldest of
eight children of Wilder Perry. His paternal grandfather, John
Perry, one of the earliest settlers of Fox Islands, who came there
from Boston, was somewhat distinguished durin'g the Revolution,
A Camcferi Village Home
Besidenoe of Mr. H. L. AMen
by holding a commission from Gov. Hancock of Massachusetts
as Captain of the sloop, Fly- At one time while defending his
own log house from a party of British from a vessel, who were
coming to take his provisions, he succeeding in keeping them off,
not, however, until he had killed two of them at one shot of his
gun. James Perry, before he was 21 years of age, began
THE GREAT FIRE 489
trading at Northport, afterwards moving to Lincolnville Beach,
where he kept a general store until 1856, when he came to Cam-
den. In Lincolnville he was Postmaster under President Polk's
administration. In Camden he began trade with James Seward,
in a store situated where the Russell block now stands, and about
a year afterwards purchased of Joshua G. Norwood the frame block
now occupied by G. E. Rollins, where he traded for many years,
building up a good " cash" business, at a time when " credit"
was the usual plan of the country store. In addition to being in
trade he was for many years a wool-buyer for the Knox Woolen
Co. and for Portland and Boston parties. Mr. Perry served his
town as Treasurer and in other official capacities and in 1868 repre-
sented Camden in the State Legislature as a Republican, although
later he identified himself with the Greenback party. In his
middle life Mr. Perry was much interested in Masonry, joining
King David's Lodge at Lincolnville but after moving to Camden
he joined Amity Lodge. He was one of the charter members
and first King of Keystone R. A. Chapter, and was also a member
of Claremont Commandery, K. T., of Rockland. Mr. Perry
married Sybil Sherman, and to them were bom the following
children: Wilder W., Lelia F. (who married Willis Williams),
Cora I., (who married Nicholas L. Berry), Frank W., Annie P.,
(who married Burton H. Winslow) and Grace D., (who married
Edward H. Baker).
Prof. Alvin R. Dunton died this year on Oct. 8, at the age
of 79 years. Prof. Dunton was born in Hope, Maine, but lived
in Camden many years. He was the son of Abner Dunton and
grandson of Abner Dunton, one of the first settlers of the town of
Lincolnville. His father was the second child born in that town.
Abner, the grandfather, was a man of giant statue and great strength.
After Molineaux's mill was established at the outlet of Lake
Megunticook he was in the habit of taking his corn there to be
ground. In 1787 he went to the mill across the lake on the ice
and when returning hauling his meal on a sled in the dark he
490 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
broke through and was drowned. The next day it was found
that he had broken up a half acre of ice in his powerful efforts to
save himself. The accident occured near what is still called
" Dunton's Rock." ^ Prof. Dunton was chiefly distinguished for
his great skill as a pen artist. As a writer and teacher of pen-
manship he probably never has had a superior. He was the
author of the Duntonian System of Penmanship, and his pen
pictures prove that he was an artist of much ability. Prof. Dunton
travelled extensively and taught penmanship in nearly all the
states in the union, and also travelled in Europe. He also acted
as an expert on hand writing and for a long time had charge of
the penmanship in the Boston schools. He was the author of
"The True Story of the Hart - Meservey Murder Trial," a book
of over 300 pages, in which he undertakes to prove that Nathan
F. Hart was unjustly convicted of the murder of Sarah H.
Meservey at Tenant^s Harbor in 1878. Prof. Dunton was a man
of strong and positive convictions and possessed nerve and deter-
mination to carry his convictions into execution. He was
twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Harris and his
second wife Laura Pendleton. He had no children.
1892. The Camden annual town meeting was held this
year on March 28, Charles C. Wood was elected Town Clerk ;
D. A. Campbell, O. B. Wooster and F. K. Shaw, Selectmen ;
Alden Miller, Jr., Treasurer. At this meeting the town voted
against authorizing " the County Commissioners to erect a jail
in Rockland at an expense not to exceed $15,000," by a vote of
233 to 17.
The Rockport annual town meeting was held on March 21,
at which the Town Clerk and Selectmen elected in 1891, were
re-elected, and J. S. Foster was elected Treasurer. On the jail
1. We are indebted for these facsts to Mr. Abner Dunton of Hope, grandson of
the first Abner. This venerable and wonderful man is now (1906) in his 100th year,
yet he is smart and vigorous, in the full possession of his faculties and is a familiar
figure on our streets, brisk, active and erect.
THE GREAT FIRE 491
question the vote stood 93 in favor and 29 against building it. ^
This year the several political parties made the following
gubernatorial nominations : Henry B. Cleaves, Republican, Charles
F. Johnson, Democrat, Timothy B. Hussey, Prohibition, Luther
C. Bateman, People's and E. F. Knowlton, Union Labor, Mr.
Cleaves being the . successful candidate. In Camden the vote
stood as follows : Cleaves, 236 ; Johnson, 183 ; Hussey, IS ;
Bateman, 93 ; E[nowlton, 4. In Rockport the vote was: Cleaves,
179; Johnson, 221; Hussey, 22; Bateman, 27; Knowlton, 1.
Thus Camden began its existence as a RepubUcan town and
Rockport as a Democratic town.
The two towns had been classed together for the election of
a Representative to the Legislature and it was mutually agreed
that the candidates this year should be Rockport men. Ralph W.
Carleton, Democrat, was elected. He received in Camden 183
votes while his opponents, Simeon J. Treat, Republican, received
219, L. K. Morse, Prohibition, 13, and C. E. Eells, People's, 92.
In Rockport the vote was: Carleton, 276 ; Treat, 146 ; Morse, 19 ;
Eells, 19. Oliver Farnsworth and W. W. Perry of Camden were
Prohibition candidates for Senator and County Attorney,
receiving in their own town 17 and 18 votes respective-
ly. S. D. Sanford and G. R. Sanford of Camden were the can-
didates of the Union Labor party for County Treasurer and
Representative to Congress, the former receiving in Camden 6
votes and the latter S. V. D. Wellman of Camden was the can-
didate of the People's party for Register of Probate and received
93 votes in his own town. In Camden on the proposed amend-
ment to the constitution requiring an educational qualification
for voters, 23 votes were cast in favor of the amendment and 32
against it. In Rockport the vote was 61 in favor and 19 against
said amendment. ^ At the presidential election following, which
1. The aggregate vote of the County towns was favorable to building the jaU,
and the result was the erection of our present county jail.
2. This amendment was adopted and is now a part of the State Constitution.
See Amendment 8, of Constitution.
492 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
resulted in the election of Grover Cleveland, Camden cast about
the same vote as at the September election while Rockport gave
a Republican plurality of 17. One of the Democratic candidates
for electors was Isaac W. Sherman of Camden.
This year, after more or less discussion, the municipal
officers of both towns granted to the Rockland, Thomaston &
Camden Street Railway, the right to construct its road
from Rockland to Camden village and the road was completed
that summer. The cars came into Rockport village July 30, and a
few days later reached Camden.
This year the Mt. Battle Mfg. Co., was organized with the
following first officers : W. G. Alden, Pres.; W. H. Pascal, Treas.;
W. G. Alden, W. H. Pascal, W. H. Faunce, E. F. Knowlton,
J. H. Montgomery, D. H. Bisbee, I. W. Sherman, W. R. Gill,
H. L. Alden and G. F. Burgess, Directors. The mill was sub-
sequently built on the site of the Bisbee powder mill on Megun-
ticook river.
On Nov. 10, 1892, Camden village sustained the most
disastrous conflagration in its history. The fire started at one
o'clock A. M., in the lofty wooden block of Geo. H. Cleveland,
located on the east side of Main street where Mr. Cleveland's
one story block now stands, and had made considerable headway
before the alarm could be given, and when the fire department arrived
the water pressure at the hydrants was inadequate and later
almost wholly gave out. Driven by a fierce easterly wind from
the bay, the flames communicated with the other buildings on
the east side of Main street, lesped across to the west side,
quickly destroying the stores on that side, crossed Mechanic
Street to the large Knight brick block which in a few moments
went down, burned the row of stores on the northerly side of Elm
street, crossed Washington street to Megunticook Hall, which
also went down before them, burned the old brick "Estabrook
house " and were finally subdued, with the help of the Rockland
steamer, in the old " Jones house " owned by Dr. S. Tibbetts.
THE GREAT FIRE 493
When the flames were gotten under control in the early morning
the following buildings with their contents had been destroyed :
the Cleveland block, grist-mill and store adjoining, the Burd-
Hodgman, Arau and Alden blocks on the east side of Main street ;
the whole of the section lying between Main street. Mechanic
street and Megunticook river, containing about ten business
blocks and one dwelling house ; the section between Mechanic
street and the river east of the " Bakery bridge," containing four
or five shops ; the space enclosed by Mechanic, Elm and Wash-
ington streets, containing some eight business blocks, one
dwelling house, the Methodist Episcopal church and chapel, and
the engine house ; also Megunticook Hall and the, Estabrook
house on Elm street. The Jones house was partially destroyed
and was re-built. The fire was a grand spectacle, the flames
soaring high into the air and pieces of paper and burned shingles
were carried by the gale beyond Simon ton's Corner. A snow
squall coming shortly after the fire began, which covered the
roofs of the buildings in the westerly part of the village with a
coating of snow, prevented the town from suffering a much greater
loss. The cause of the fire was never discovered although a fire
inquest was immediately held. It was generally supposed that
it caught from the heating apparatus in the basement of the
Cleveland block, thence running up through the elevator shaft
and bursting out at the roof. In the fire some fifty places of
business were destroyed, the fine Masonic and Odd Fellow's halls,
the rooms of the Business Men's Association and various other
societies, but fortunately but few families lost their homes and
none of the large manufacturing estabUshments of the town were
destroyed. The loss of buildings and goods mounted into the
hundreds of thousands of dollars, but the owners of both buildings
and stocks were fortunately exceedingly well insured, only one
small building being without any insurance whatever.
Several town meetings were called immediately after the fire
to consider matters relative thereto, the principal results of which
494
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
were the adoption of a new by law forbidding the erection of per-
manent wooden buildings in the business center of the village,
and authorizing the purchase of the excellent steam fire engine
now owned by the town.
This year the publication of the Rockport News, a weekly
local newspaper was begun at Rockport village by E. B. Thorn-
dike. Mr. Thomdike shortly sold his interest to John W. Thomas
A RocKport Village Home
Residence of Hon. H. L. Shepherd
who continued its publication for about two years when it was
discontinued and Mr. Thomas became a member of the staff of the
Rockland Courier-Gazette.
The Rockport Opera House was built this year by a private
corporation. It is a fine wooden structure, and contains a large
auditorium, with galleries and boxes and a fine stage. As the old
Union Hall has lately been used for business purposes, the Opera
THE GREAT FIRE 495
House became a necessity to the village people and is well
suited for holding town and large public meetings.
In 1892, Rockport and Camden each lost an old and prom-
inent business man, viz : Samuel D. Carlton, who died May 4,
and David Knowlton, who died December 9.
Samuel D. Carleton was the son of William Carleton and was
born in the old homestead, July 27, 1816. He received his
education at the town schools and at China and Warren Academies.
In 1838 he entered his father's store as clerk continuing in that
capacity until November, 1840, when his father retired and Mr.
Carleton formed a partnership with Joshua G. Norwood and con-
tinued the business under the firm name of Carleton & Norwood.
In 1849, Mr. Carleton' s brother Philander J., was admitted to the
firm which then became Carleton, Norwood & Co. and by that
name it has ever since been known. The firm engaged extensive-
ly in ship-building, Ume manufacturing and general trading,
giving steady and profitable employment to a large number of
men. The foundation and development of the prosperous village
of Rockport was, to a large extent, the result of the firm's business
career, which in addition to other things began to develop the
Jacobs' quarries at about the year 1867. Mr. Carleton was the
leading spirit in this great and prosperous concern and was for
years well and favorably known in commercial circles in all parts of
the world. Mr. Carleton was President of the Camden Savings
Bank from its organization. In politics he was a life-long
Democrat and served the town in the Legislature. He never
sought office, however, preferring to devote his time and atten-
tion to his great business interests. One of the last acts of his
business life was the erection by his firm of the fine brick block
on Central street, Rockport, now owned by the S. E. & H. L.
Shepherd Co. Mr. Carleton was kind hearted and generous,
carefully avoiding in his acts of charity anything that savored of
display or ostentation. Mr. Carleton was twice married. His
first wife was the widow of Capt. WiUiam Verrill, and his second
496 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
wife was Mrs. Harriet N. Eastman, widow of Capt. Eben Eastman
and daughter of Rev. Job Washburn. The children of his first
marriage were William D., Adelia C, (who married Capt. Henry
Talpey of Dorchester, Mass.,) and Eliza U., (who married Capt.
W. H. Luce of South Thomaston. )
David Knowlton was born in Liberty, Maine, and was 73
years of age at the time of his death. He was 'widely known as a
manufacturer and inventor of ship machinery. He learned the
machinist's trade in Worcester, Mass., and afterwards erected a
grist and saw mill in Liberty. In 1854 he came to Camden and
had a machine shop where C. M. Barstow's shop now is, and later
went into the foundry and machine shop business with Henry
Knight. Afterwards he was in the business with Horatio Alden
and Cyrus G. Bachelder. In 1861 the plant was destroyed by
fire, uninsured, but was re-built and the business continued until
1869, when the D. Knowlton Co. was organized, which company
continued until 1880 when it was succeeded by the present firm
of Knowlton Bros., composed of Mr. Knowlton' s four sons.
During all the period of his active life Mr. Knowlton was con-
tinually bringing out some new invention pertaining to ship
machinery, among them being the ' Improved Patent Power
Windlass Beam" and the "Power Capstan." While at the head
of the D. Knowlton Co., Mr. Knowlton became a manufacturer of
cars, car wheels and granite polishing machines. He made
freight cars for the Knox & Lincoln, Portland & Rochester, Somerset
and European & North American railroads,and two handsome passen-
ger cars for the Boston & Maine and Eastern roads. The passen-
ger cars were hauled to Rockland by twenty-one yoke of oxen. In
addition to his great energy as a business man Mr. Knowlton took
great interest in public matters. One of his endeavors was the
placing of the town clock in the Baptist steeple for which he started
the subscription. He was one of the organizers of the Camden
Savings Bank. Mr. Knowlton married Susan M. French. Their
children: Viola C, (who married Charles A. Bucklin), Alonzo
THE GREAT FIRE 497
J. Q., John D., E. Frank, Willis D., George W., Mary E., and
Susan E.
Another prominent Rockport man dying this year was Capt.
James Magune, who was born in Calais, Maine, but became a
resident of Rockport village prior to the breaking out of the
rebellion. When President Lincoln called for 75,000 men, he
offered his services to the navy, and was appointed an Acting
Master, Aug. 14, 1861, and was ordered to report to the Com-
mandant of the New York Navy Yard, for passage in the S. S.
Connecticut to join the Powhatan of the West Gulf Blockading
Squadron. Oct. 29, 1861, he was detached from the Powhatan and
ordered to the S. S. South Carolina as Executive Officer. He
received great praise from Capt. (afterwards Admiral) Almy, on
account of his skill as Executive Officer and Navigator, and on
July 5, 1863, was placed in command of the South Carolina, and
his vessel as one of Porter's fleet took an active part at the front.
Feb. 16, 1864, Capt. Magune was ordered to the command of the
Mohawk at Port Royal, S. C, and on July 19th of the same year
was ordered to the command of the Thistle (name afterwards
changed to Dunbarton.) On July 2Sth he was detached from the
Thistle and ordered to Cairo, 111., to take command of the double-
turreted Monitor, Milwaukee. On Aug. 17, following, for
meritorious service he was promoted to .Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant, and on Nov. 22, by order of Admiral Farragut he
was detached from the Monitor and given command of the S. S.
Sciota, for service in Mobile Bay. There, as has already been
stated, he took part in the bombardment and surrender of Mobile.
In April, 1865, the Sciota wa!B sunk by a Rebel torpedo, six men
being killed and four wounded. Capt. Magune and his son,
James Edward, who was his clerk, were badly shaken up, and for
several weeks were in the hospital at Mobile. In May, 1865, he
raised the Sciota and took her to New York, where she went out of
commission. On Nov. 25, 1865, the war being ended, Capt.
Magune was honorably discharged from the navy. After leaving
498 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the service he returned to his former occupatiou of following the
sea, which he continued for inany years, a part of the time acting
as Coast Pilot for the United States and piloting many warships
to the various ports on the Atlantic coast. At the death of his
wife, his injuries received at Mobile having troubled him for some
time, he retired from active work, making his home in Rockport,
where he died at the age of 63 years, and was buried with Masonic
honors. Capt. Magune married AUce Cameron. They had six
children, viz : Oriana, (who married Joseph Hoyt), Alice, (who
married Hosea Gordon), Algernon H., James Edward, Sarah,(who
married Oris Levensaler) and Clarence.
FROM THE ASHES 499
CHAPTER LVIII.
FROM THE ASHES.
1893. The cold and dismal winter following the great
fire, was passed by the people of Camden in making plans for
re-building the village which work was begun as soon as the frost
left the ground in the spring of 1893, and the new buildings were
principally of brick. The first building to be started was that of
one of the oldest citizens of the town, Mr. John H. Curtis, who
built the fine Curtis block on Elm street. Other buildings begun
that spring by individuals were theCarleton,Norwood&Co's block,
the W. F. Bisbee block, the W.R.Gill block, and the "French"
block on Elm street and the blocks built by E. C. Fletcher,
F. E. Russell, H. H. Cleveland's estate, B. F. Adams, Sylvester
L. Aran, Geo. Burd and G. T. Hodgman on Main street. The
promptness and energy displayed by these men, some of whom
were young men with small capitals, showed both their courage
and their confidence in the future of their town. The members
of the Masonic fraternity were equally courageous and organized
the Camden Masonic Temple Association which completed, during
the year, the magnificent " Temple " at a cost of about $38,000.
Not to be outdone by its individual citizens the Camden Village
Corporation itself at once began to lay plans for a fine building to
replace " Megunticook Hall." Several corporation meetings
were called at which the question of building was discussed and
finally it was voted by a good majority to erect the present corpora-
SOO HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
tion building or "Opera House" at a cost of over $40,000. To
do this it became necessary to amend the charter of the corpora-
tion, to authorize it to issue bonds to the amount of $30,000.
This project met with the active opposition of some of the older
and more conservative citizens of the village who sent a remon-
strance to the Legislature and appeared before the legislative
committee in opposition to the proposed amendment. The
Legislature, however, passed the act amending the charter, ^ and
the construction of the building was begun when several citizens
of the corporation petitioned the Supreme Judicial Court for an
injunction restraining the building of the block. A hearing for a
temporary injunction was at once held before Judge Enoch
Foster at Bath. Judge Foster denied the prayer for an injunction
and the " Opera House " was completed. As a result of the
building operations of 1893, together with the " Traveller's Inn"
block of W. B. Groves and the fine " Huse Block" of the estate of
Jonathan Huse, since erected, Camden village can boast of one
of the finest business sections of any town in Maine.
This year the annual meeting in Camden was held at the
Baptist vestry, March 20. Charles C. Wood was re-elected Town
Clerk ; Alden Miller, Jr. , G. T. Hodgman and Isaac Coombs were
elected Selectmen and C. K. Miller, Treasurer. At this meeting
the beginning of Camden's excellent sewerage system was provided
for, and the sum of 12,000 was appropriated for the building of
an engine house.
The Rockport annual meeting was held at the Rockport
Opera House (where all the Rockport town meetings have since
been held), on March 27, at which Leioy S. Gardiner was elected
Town Clerk; G. H. M. Barrett,G. T. Harkness and L. B. Brewster,
Selectmen and J. S. Foster, Treasurer.
1. Bonds of the corporation to the amotmt of $30,000, at i per cent, were issued
and two years later the charter was again amended to allow the corporation to
issue bonds to an additional amount of $6,000. A portion of these bonds have now
been refunded at 3 1-2 per cent. For acts amending Village Corporation Charter,
see Private and Special Laws of 1893, Page 636 and 1895, Page 90.
FROM THE ASHES SOI
Camden Lodge, No. 81, Knights of Pythias was organized
at Camden, Jan. 3, 1893, with 21 charter members. The first
officers were, Edwin S. Rose, P. C; Frank H. Wilbur, S. P. C;
John K. Hooper, C. C; Fred K. Shaw, V. C; C. C. Phelan,
Prelate ; F. A. D. Singhi, M. of E.; Chas. K. Miller, M. of F.;
Mark B. Arey, K. of R. S.; Forrest G. Currier, M. at Arms ; Ralph
E. Richards, I. G.; and James Bickford, 0. G. This Lodge is
now a prosperous one having a membership of 104. In 1895 a
Lodge known as Beacon Light Lodge, No. 102, was organized at
Rockport, which continued a separate existence until 1900, when
it consolidated with Camden Lodge.
The Temple Club was organized in Camden in November, 1893
with Capt. Isaac W. Sherman its first President. This is a social
organization, somewhat similiar to the Business Men's Association,
but without its Board of Trade and Village Improvement Society
features. It possesses fine quarters in the Masonic Temple, and
has a large membership.
Camden lost two of its oldest and most respected business
men in 1893, D. H. Bisbee and Geo. L. Follansbee.
Deplura H. Bisbee was born in Hartford, Maine, in the year
1818. He came to Camden in the early fifties and carried on the
manufacture of powder, as one of the firm of Bisbee, Marble & Co.
Some fifteen years later he became the sole proprietor of the
business which he canied on most successfully until 1892, when
he sold out his plant and privilege to the Mt. Battie Mfg. Com-
pany but continued in the powder trade until his death. Mr.
Bisbee was highly respected by all who knew him, for his busi-
ness ability and integrity. He was a careful and reliable financier,
a warm-hearted and generous neighbor and public-spirited citizen.
He was always young in spirit, fond of hunting and fish-
ing, and to the last year of his life, with dog and gun, sought
game over the mountains and through the woodlands of this
section as eagerly and as actively as might a man of half his age.
Mr. Bisbee was twice elected to represent the town in the Legis-
502 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
lature, in 1861 and 1862, serving when James G. Blaine was
Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives. He was several
times First Assessor of Camden Village Corporation, was chairman
of the committee that had charge of the building of Megunticook
Hall, and was very active in his labors in behalf of the corporation.
He was a director of Camden National Bank from its organization,
and was its President the last two years of his life. He was also
director of the Mt. Battie Mfg. Co. He was a firm believer in the
cause of temperance and did all in his power for its promotion. He
was Treasurer of Twombly Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., from its organization.
Mr. Bisbee married Lydia B. Heald of Sumner, Maine, and they
were the parents of four children, a daughter who died young, and
three sons, Columbus W., Fred W., and Walter F. He died
Oct. S, 1893, at the age of 75 years and 2 months.
George L. Follansbee died Oct. 14, 1893, at the age of 70
years. He was the son of Leonard Follansbee, who was
born in Leominster, Mass., in 1796, married Lucy Preston
and came to Union, Maine, in 1822. Leonard Follansbee was a
paper maker by trade which he carried on for several years in
Union, and then — about 1830 — came to Camden where he con-
tinued the manufacture of paper, and where he died in 1857.
The children of Leonard and Lucy Follansbee were George L.,
Fisher H., John B., Joseph S., Edward T., Charles W., and
Caroline E. The eldest of this family, George L. Follansbee, the
subject of this sketch, was born in Union, Maine, Aug. 25, 1823,
but came to Camden when seven years of age. In 1838 he
became a clerk in George Pendleton's dry goods store where he
remained until 1846, when, on account of ill health, he went
west and taugljt school for a year in Ontario. He then returned
and acted as clerk in a Belfast dry goods store for two years, and
then came to Camden and with H. H. Johnson of Belfast bought
out George Pendleton's business. One year later purchased
the whole business which he carried on until burned out by the
great fire in 1892, although for many years his younger brother.
FROM THE ASHES 503
Mr. C. W. Follansbee, had been his junior partner, the firm name
being Follansbee & Co. Mr. Follansbee was a modest, retiring
man of intrinsic worth, and while he did not seek office was often
called to fill important positions of trust in the community. He
was a director of the Camden National Bank from its organization,
and its President from 1882 to 1892. He was for fifteen years a
director of the Knox Woolen Co. He held various town offices
and was the town's Representative to the Legislature in 1863 and
1864. lyir. Follansbee married Cythera M. Howard by whom he
had the following children: Carrie E., Georgia P., (who married
Oscar A. Knight), Harry L. and Marion H.
1894. The annual town meeting was held in Camden at
the new engine house on March 19, 1894. Charles C. Wood
was elected Town Clerk ; J. H. Sherman, G. T. Hodgman and
E. N. Duffy, Selectmen, and Fred Lewis, Treasurer.
The Rockport annual meeting was held March 26. The
Town Clerk and Selectmen elected in 1893 were re-elected and
Ralph T. Spear was elected Treasurer.
Henry B. Cleaves, Charles F. Johnson and Luther C. Bate-
man, were again the gubernatorial candidates respectively of the
RepubUcan, Democratic and Peoples parties, while Ira G. Hersey
was nominated by the Prohibitionists. Mr. Cleaves was re-elected
by a very large majority.
In Camden the vote for governor was as follows : Cleaves,
272; Johnson, 183; Bateman, 90; Hersey, 11. Edward R.
Ogier of Camden was Prohibition candidate for Representative to
Congress, and Wilder W. Peny of Camden, candidate of the same
party for County Attorney, both of whom ■ received 1 1 votes in
Camden. J. H. Sherman of Camden was Democratic candidate
for County Commissioner, and received in Camden 213 votes to
256 for his opponent.
In Rockport the vote for governor was as follows : Cleaves,
232; Johnson, 162; Bateman, 23 and Hersey, 8. Ralph W.
Carleton of Rockport was Democratic candidate for senator re-
504 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
ceiving in his own town 180 votes to 214 for his opponent.
Miles S. Leach of Rockport was Prohibition candidate for County
Commissioner, receiving 8 votes in Rockport.
The candidates for Representative this year were Camden
men. They were Augustine F. Miller, Republican, J. H. Mont-
gomery, Democrat, and Charles T. Swan, Peoples. Mr. Miller
was elected. The vote stood as follows : Camden, Miller, 252 ;
Montgomery, 208; Swan, 69. Rockport, Miller, 241; Mont-
gomery, ISO; Swan, 20.
This year Knox County went Republican, that party electing
its candidates for senator and county officials.
John H. Curtis, son of Capt. Calvin, was bom in Camden in
1810, and died Aug. 12, 1894, at the age of nearly 84 years.
Mr. Curtis was one of Camden's oldest business men and kept in
the harness up to the year of his death. In early life he learned
the tanner's trade but later acted as clerk for Joseph Jones and
afterwards was clerk in the corner store that stood on the site of
Carleton, Pascal & Co's. store. He then purchased the store on
Elm street where he traded all his life, at first in the .grocery
business but later in the hardware business. During the last of his
business career he was associated with his son, John C. Curtis.
When his store was burned in 1892, Mr. Curtis, although a
veteran of 82, vigorously went to work to re-build. He started
the first foundation in re-building the town and his fine brick
block, which John C. Curtis now occupies, was the first building
completed. Mr. Curtis was not a public man, but occasionally
held office, being Selectman, etc., and Deputy Sheriff. Mr.
Curtis married Mary, daughter of Moses Parke/, and the children
born to them were, Charles F., Mary J., Lucy E., (who married
Geo. L. Mansfield), John C, Moses P., Edward B., William, and
Fred L.
Thomas B. Grose died Sept. 10, 1894. Mr. Grose was the
son of John Gross, Jr., and the grandson of John Gross, one of
the early settlers of the town. John Gross, the first, was bom in
FROM THE ASHES SOS
England and when a lad of fourteen was "bound" to the captain
of a whaling vessel, with whom he continued to go to sea
for nine years.^ At the end of that time the vessel being in New
York he left and came to Boston where he married, and with $30
in his pocket came to Camden and settled, taking of the "Twenty
Associates " the lot next northerly of the Ogier lot, a part of
which remained in the family until sold to Mr. W. F. Hooper of
Fall River, a few years ago. He was the father of seven daugh-
ters and one son, John, Jr., who married Nancy Barrett of Concord,
Mass., by whom he had two children, Thomas B., and Sarah W.,
(who married Capt. Thomas Prince. ) Thomas B. Grose was
born on the old place in 1810, but he afterwards settled in Rock-
port village where he passed his life. He was a light-house build-
er and contracted with the government for building many light-
houses along our coast, among them being the Indian Island
light-house at Rockport harbor. Mr. Grose was prominent in many
ways. He was always a strong Democrat in politics in which he
took great interest. He held various town offices, among them
being that of Selectman for several years. In 1868 he was elected
Sheriff of Knox County and held the office for several terms. He
was a Mason and one of the early Odd Fellows of this section
being a member and Past Grand of Vesper Lodge of Rockport in the
forties. Mr. Grose manied Orinda Dailey who died a few months
before he did. They had no children who reached mature years.
He was 84 years of age at the time of his death.
1895. The Camden annual town meeting was held in
the new corporation hall, or "Opera House" (where it has
always been held since that day) on March 18. Charles C.
Wood and Fred Lewis were again elected respectively. Town
Clerk and Treasurer, and J. H. Sherman, E. N. Duffy and E. C.
Fletcher were elected Selectmen.
The Rockport annual meeting was held on March 25. John
1. The name was originally speUefl " Gross." On the old records at diflerent
times it is spelled " Gross," " Groose " and "Grose." The later members of the
family apparently settled upon " Grose."
506 HISTORY or CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
E. Leach was elected Town Clerk ; Fred W. Andrews, John S.
Fuller and 0. A. Fisk, Selectmen, and Ralph T. Spear, Treasurer.
Rodolphus Bowers, an old and respected business man of
Camden, the son of Joseph Bowers, died Feb. 18, 1895. Mr.
Bowers was born in the old homestead on the Hope road, June
17, 1811, and spent his entire life in his native town. He
manufactured lime for years and for a short time was in the grocery
business. Afterwards he owned and maintained a grist mill near
the bakery bridge for twenty years. He joined the Congrega-
tional Church when 19 years of age and never swerved from the
faith. In 1835 he married Louisa B. Wood of Brownfield, Maine,
by whom he had five children, the two eldest of whom, Thomas
R., and Lucy P., died in childhood. The others are Joseph W.,
Charles R., and Sarah, (who married John Stetson of Thomaston.)
In 1884, Mr. Bowers married Mrs. Mary F. Kalloch of Rockland.
Capt. Joseph A. Graffam of Rockport died March 25, at the
age of 77 years. Capt. Graffam followed the sea for fifty years
and was an excellent navigator and pilot. He was the first captain
to sail a three-masted schooner across the Atlantic. He was mate
of the bark Georgiana and one of the victims of Lopez' filibustering
expedition in 1851, related in a preceding chapter. Capt.
Graffam married Lucy Ann Chase of Camden in 1843. They had
two children, Capt. Edwin, and Lizzie, (who married first, John
Piper and second, J. S. Mason.) In 1865 Capt. Graffam married
Mrs. Sarah Parker as his second wife. At his death he was the
oldest member of Amity Lodge, F. &. A. M.
Capt. Jesse F. Hosmer of Camden, died April 17. He was
the last surviving child of the early settler, Nathaniel Hosmer.
When thirteen years of age he left home to learn a trade, but a
few years later his love for the sea caused him to enter upon a sea
faring life, in which he arose step by step from the lowest position
to the highest in his profession, winning the perfect confidence of
his employers, and proving a most skillful and successful master
mariner. He followed the sea for thirty-five years, a great portion
FROM THE ASHES 507
of that time commanding large vessels, and becoming familiar
with almost every part of the globe. He married Lucy, youngest
daughter of Capt. William and Lucy Blake, with whom he lived
a long and happy married life of nearly fifty years. Their children
are Emily P. , Jessie D. , (who married Dr. Benj. D. E. Huse),
Dora T. and Lucy B.
James Seward, another old and respected Camden business
man died May 28. Mr. Seward was born in Kittery, Maine, in
1812 and was 83 years of age at the time of his death. He was
the son of William and Abigail Seward and was one of a family
of 24 children. He came to Camden in 1836, and married Mary
A. Pendleton of Islesboro. He at once began here his life work,
that of a grocer, by going into business in the basement of the
George W. Cobb house on Main street. Later he purchased a lot
where the Russell block now stands upon which he moved a frame
building which he fitted up as a store and residence. A few
years later Mr. Seward bought one half of the Megunticook House,
where he lived for a time and then built and occupied the house
on High street now the residence of W. G. Alden. Later he
purchased the " Gushing homestead " on Chestnut street where
he passed the remainder of his Ufe. Among his firm friends of
his early life were Dr. B. J. Porter and Hon. Erastus Foote. He
retired from business at the age of 7 1 years. In religious views
Mr. Seward was a Unitarian, although for many years he was a
constant attendant at the Congregational Church. His political
affiliations were with the Republican party. The children born
to James and Mary A. Seward were Margaret P., Ellen W.,
Caroline J., Sarah P., and Josephine A., (who married Walter
Glidden.)
Joseph B. Steams of Camden died July 4. Mr. Stearns was
bom in 1831, was a native of Weld, Maine, and the son of poor
parents. When fourteen years of age his father moved to Sears-
mont and three years later Mr. Stearns went to Newburyport,
Mass., where he worked for a time in a cotton mill. In 1850
508
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
being 18 years of age, he began the study of telegraphy at New-
buryport and remained there and along the line to Portland for
four years. In 18S4 he went into the fire telegraph office at
Boston and in a few months was appointed superintendent.
While in that position he went to Charleston, S. C, during the
war of the rebellion to put in a fire alarm system and was able to
perform an important service to his country by gathering informa-
Norumbega
tion on his way home, which he gave to President Lincoln, tjiere^
by preventing the rebel army from occupying Arlington Heights
and saving Washington from falling into their hands. In 1867
Mr. Stearns was elected President of the Franklin Telegraph Co.,
which office he held between two and three years. It was at
about this time that Mr. Stearns' genius gave to the world one- of
FROM THE ASHES 509
the most important inventions of the century, namely, the duplex
system of telegraphy, by which two messages can be sent over
the wire at the same time. The invention brought him great
wealth and will make his name forever famous. It was patented
in 1868 and about three years later he sold the right of the United
States and Canada to the Western Union. In 1872 he went to
England to introduce his system there and after two years of
effort Parliament gave him aroyalty for the use of his invention. He
also received royalties in France and Italy. In 1880 Mr. Stearns
engineered the Mexican cable, putting 750 miles of cable into
operation and in 1881 he engineered a line in Central and South
America. In 1882 Mr. Steams went to Short Hills, N. J., where
he lived until 1885 when he came to Camden to visit the family
of James B. Swan, who were his relatives, and was so enchanted
with the natural beauty of the place that he purchased a tract of land
on the Belfast Road, with the object of making Camden his future
home. He said that he had travelled the world over, and con-
sidered Camden the most beautiful place he ever visited. The
following year (1886) he erected the magnificent stone residence
" Norumbega " where he passed the remainder of his life. After-
wards he bought large tracts of land farther up the Belfast Road,
where he operated the large fancy stock farm known as "Saga-
more Farm " and did much for the development and prosperity
of the town. Mr. Steams was twice married. His first wife was
Lois M. Brooks by whom he had three children all of whom died
young. His second wife was Amanda Edmonds of Portsinouth,
N. H. The children of this union were two sons, Edward S.,
now of Thomaston, Maine, and Harry W., of Camden.
Hon. Gershom F. Burgess was the son of a Methodist clergy^
man and was born in Fairfield, Maine, about the year 1830. In
early life, having obtained a good education, he came to Rockland
where he taught for some time in the city schools. While there
he married a Mrs. White, a widow. After a short married life
Mrs. Burgess died. Shortly before the civil war, Mr. Burgess
510 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND EOCKPORT
came to Rockport village where he served as clerk in a store.
When the war broke out Mr. Burgess was instrumental in raising
a company of volunteers for the 19th Regiment of Infantry and
went to the front with his company as Lieutenant where he served
with credit. On his return from the war he married Mrs.
Christiana Young, widow of Christopher Young, Jr., and succeeded
to the ownership of the valuable Young quarry and lime kiln
property and business, which he conducted with ability and
success until shortly before his death when he sold the same to
the S. E. & H. L. Shepherd Company. The two children of
Gershom F. and Christiana Burgess are Clorinda I., (who married
Dr. Lester C. Miller), and Gershom L. After the death of his
second wife Mr. Burgess married Charlotte Gould of Rockland
who died shortly afterwards, and in 1889 he married Julia, daugh-
ter of Elbridge G. Knight. Mr. Burgess was an able business
man and in addition to his Rockport business was interested in
the Camden woolen factories and other industries. He was a
good speaker and excellent presiding officer and was many times
elected moderator of Camden town meetings, always conducting
the town business with dignity and despatch. He was a strong
Republican in politics and one of the leaders of his party in this
section. In 1888 he was nominated one of the county candidates
for Senator and elected. He served one term, declining the
honor of a second nomination. He died Sept. 1, 1894.
WAR WITH SPAIN 511
CHAPTER LIX.
War With Spain.
1896. Camden: Annual meeting, March 23 Elected Chas.
C.Wood, Town Clerk ; Daniel J. Andrews, A. B. AreyandS. G. Rit-
terbush. Selectmen and Fred Lewis Treasurer. At this meeting the
Camden Public Library was established under the following votes :
" Voted that the town establish a free public library for the use of
its inhabitants to be known as The Camden Public Library, under
such rules and regulations as may hereafter be established by vote
of the town or by a board of Trustees to consist of nine members
and that the First Selectman be a Trustee in addition ; that three
serve for three years, three for two years and three for one year."
'.' Voted that the Trustees serve without pay and that they decide
among themselves as to who shall serve three years, two years and
one year respectively, said decision to be recorded by the ' Town
Clerk." " Voted that a committee of five be appointed to sub-
mit a list of candidates." This committee consisted of T. R.
Simonton, J. K. Hooper, W. H. Gardiner, J. H. Sherman and
J. F. Stetson, and the following list was presented : J. K. Hooper,
C. W. Follansbee, J. H. Sherman, T. A. Hunt, Reuel Robinson,
F. M. Preble, L. D. Evans, W. G. Alden and E. C. Fletcher,
who were duly elected. "Voted to raise by assessment,
Fifteen Hundred Dollars for the foundation and commencement
of a free public library." ^ The library was at once established
1. Prior to this vote quite a large sum for the library had been raised by
Sl2 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
and with the Reading Room connected with it, has proved a
most valuable public institution. Miss Katharine W. Harding
was the first librarian.
Rockport: Annual meeting, March 23. Elected John E.
Leach, Town Clerk ; Fred W. Andrews, J. W. Ingraham, andO. A.
Fisk, Selectmen and C. Fred Knight, Treasurer.
Five candidates for governor appeared in the field in 1896,
viz : Llewellyn Powers, Republican, Melvin P. Frank, Democrat,
Ammi S. Ladd, Prohibition, Luther C. Bateman, People's and
Wm. H. Clifford, National Democrat, or as otherwise called,
" Gold" Democrat, as distinguished from the main wing of the
party that was in favor of the free coinage of silver. Mr. Powers
received a large majority over all the other candidates. This
was the well remembered " McKinley year" when both the State
and Knox County went over-whelmingly for the Republican party.
The Camden vote for governor at this election was as follows :
Powers, 298 ; Frank, 162 ; Ladd, 7 ; Bateman, 48 ; Clifford, 6.
Edward R. Ogier of Camden was again the Prohibition candidate
for Representative to Congress and received 8 votes in Camden.
A. L. Young of Camden was People's candidate for Clerk of Courts
and received 47 votes in town. Charles F. Dufiy, Democrat and
A. S. Hall, People's, both of Camden were candidates for Sheriff,
Duffy receiving 290 votes, and Hall 20, in Camden.
The Rockport vote for governor was as follows : Powers, 319 ;
Frank, 142 ; Ladd, 6 ; Bateman, 6 ; CUfford, 3.
Rockport had the candidates for Representative this year.
They were Clarence E. Mclntire, Republican, and Frank E.Achorn,
Democrat. Mr. Mclntire was elected by a large majority in the
private subscription and since its establishment the town has each year, raised
1500 for its support. The library now contains some 4,000 volumes. Of these
books, many volumes were donated by the "Ladies' Library." This in
stitution was established in 1854, with Miss Lucy Thomdike as first Librarian.
Mrs. Jesse P. Hosmer was one of the original promoters of the Ladies Library,
which was at first kept in Mrs. Hosmer's kitchen. Afterwards for many years
this useful institution had quarters on the second floor of the Camden National
Bank building.
WAR WITH SPAIN 513
class. The vote for Representative was as follows: Camden,
Mclntire, 299 ; Achom, 185. Rockport, Mclntire, 323;
Achom, 144.
At the presidential election in November, the Republican
candidates for electors received 314 votes in Camden and 256
in Rockport, while the Democratic candidates received 139 votes
in Camden and 154 in Rockport.
Megunticook Rebekah Lodge, No. 77, I. O. O. F., was
instituted in Camden, Sept. 24, 1896. The first officers were
Carrie E. Aldus, N. G.; Frances R. Stahl, V. G.; Laura Wads-
worth, Sec; Frances S. Fish, Treas.; Lucy J. Weaver, W.; Lena
Aldus, C; Sarah L. Pascal, R. S. N. G.; Ellen M. Mason, L.
S. N. G.; Frank Easton, O. G.; Addie Bushby, I. G.; Nettie
K. Gould, R. S. V. G.; Hattie C. Allen, L. S. V. G.; Clara R.
Spear, Chaplain. This Lodge has been exceedingly prosperous
and now has over 250 members. On Jan. 1, 1906, the name of
the Lodge was, at it own request, changed by the Grand Lodge
to Maiden Cliff Rebekah Lodge, No. 77.
This year Nathan H. Hosmer, a young Camden business
man of promise, died April 20. Mr. Hosmer was the eldest son
of Charles and Jane (Stetson) Hosmer, and was born in Camden
in 1859. He was a member of the firm of Burd & Hosmer and
was doing a prosperous business. His untimely death was
mourned by many friends. Mr. Hosmer was a prominent Odd
Fellow and Past Grand of Mt. Battie Lodge.
Another popular Camden man passed away this year when
Dr. Oscar W. Stone died on April 26, at Boulder, Colorado,
where he had gone for his health. Dr. Stone was bom in Milford,
Maine, and was the son of Alfred and Nancy (Atkins) Stone.
His early education was obtained in the common schools and at
Corinna Academy. He graduated from the Maine Medical
College in 1878 and the same year entered upon the practise of
medicine at Camden where he soon built up a fine business which
he carried on alone until 1886 at which time he formed a partner-
514 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
ship with Dr. F. N. Wheeler which continued until Dr. Wheeler's
death in 1891. In 1885, Dr. Stone was taken sick of a lung
trouble but after a long illness improved so much that his friends
hoped for a permanent recovery. A few years later, however, his
health began to fail and hoping to be benefitted by the change,
he removed with his family to Colorado where he died at the age
of 44 years. Dr. Stone was a model physician and his appear-
ance in the sick room always animated his patients with courage,
which together with the cheerfulness inspired by his sunny
temper and jovial disposition was often the cause of putting them
a long way on the road to recovery. Dr. Stone was an enthusias-
tic Mason and was the forty-fourth Master of Amity Lodge. He
married Rossie L. Wheeler. Their two children are Mildred and
Alfred W.
Oliver Andrews, an old and greatly respected citizen of
Rockport, died Dec. S, at the age of 86 years, having been bom
in Warren, Maine, in 1810. He came to Rockport in 1832.
He was a mason by trade and among his contracts were Negro
Island Ughthouse and the monument in Rockport harbor. He
represented Camden in the Legislature in 1845. He also served
as Deputy Sheriff. He was an early Odd Fellow, became a
Mason as a member of Amity Lodge and was a charter member
of St. Paul's Lodge when it was instituted. In politics Mr.
Andrews was a life-long Democrat. He was well read, a fine
conversationalist with a rich fund of experience from which to
draw, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Mr.
Andrews married Margaret Rollins with whom he lived for over
sixty years. Their children: Edgar A., Harriet A., (who married
A. A. Howes), Maria L., and Oliver F.
1897. At the Camden annual meeting held March 22,
the Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer of 1896, were all re-
elected.
Rockport, also its annual meeting held on the same date.
WAR WITH SPAIN SIS
re-elected the Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer of the year
before.
This year Columbus Buswell built the toll road from near the
old Fay house to the summit of Mt. Battie and erected the
Summit House on the mountain. ^
Abner Howe of Camden, died this year on March 28, at
the age of 79 years and 11 months. Mr. Howe was the son of
Jonah Howe, and a descendant of one of the early settlers of the
present town of Camden. Mr. Howe's life was passed on the
old ancestral farm which is now owned by his son, Herbert. He
was for many years a consistent member of the Congregational
Church. Mr. Howe married Relief Mansfield and they were the
parents of four children, viz : Clarence H., Herbert M., Willard
C, and Lucius.
Mr. Howe's brother, Jonas Howe, who died Sept. 5, 1892,
was born in Camden, Nov. 13, 1809, and lived here all his life.
He married first, Clara Bass and second Eliza A. Bentley. By
his first wife he had the following children : George A., Charles
T., and Mary A., (who married Nathaniel M. Hosmer). ^
1898. Charles C. Wood was again elected Town Clerk
at the Camden annual meeting held March 21. The Selectmen
elected were J. H. Sherman, E. C. Fletcher and Isaac Coombs
and the Treasurer, Fred Lewis.
The Rockport annual town meeting, also held on March 21,
1. The road, house and tract of land covering the top of the mountain have
since been purchased by a corpr ration consisting principally of summer residents
and known as the " Mt. Battie Association." The house is opened every sununer
as an Inn and many people visit it during the summer season.
2. Mr. Hosmer represents the family name, Nathaniel, in the fourth genera-
tion in Camden, his father, Nathaniel 3rd, being the son of Nathaniel, Jr., the
early settler whose father, Nathaniel, came here after his son established his home
here. Nathaniel 3rd, was bom in Camden, June 14, 1804, and lived here until 1871,
when he removed to Shrewsbury, Mass., where he died Aug. 24, 1890. His wife was
Eliza Cobb of Princeton, Mass., and their children were, Adelia, (who married
Geo. A. Carter), Helen M., (who married Geo. S. Tracy), Georgia, (who married
S. P. Veazie), Harriet S., William C, George F., Ephraim W., and Nathaniel M.
516 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
again re-elected the same Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer
as the year before.
Gov. Powers was this year again the Republican candidate
for governor. The Democrats nominated Samuel L. Lord, the
Prohibitionists Ammi S. Ladd, the People's party, Robert Gerry
and the National or Gold Democrats, Erastus Lermond. Gov.
Powers was re-elected by the usual large majority of that period.
The political pendulum in Knox County this year began its
swing back towards the Democratic party, and although the
Republican candidates for senator and county officers were elected
it was by a considerably smaller majority than had been givea the
Republican candidates in the two preceding elections.
In Camden the vote for governor stood as follows : Powers,
283; Lord, 231; Ladd, 7; Gerry, 12; Lermond, 0. In Rock-
port : Powers, 288 ; Lord, IBS; Ladd, 6; Gerry, 0; Lermond,
1. Herbert L. Shepherd of Rockport was the Republican can-
didate for senator and received in his own town 300 votes to 174
for his opponent, L. M. Staples.
The candidates for Representative were this year Camden
men, viz : Charles C. Wood, . RepubUcan and J. H. Sherman,
Democrat. Mr. Wood was elected. The vote was as follows :
Camden, Wood, 282 ; Sherman, 243. Rockport, Wood, 288 ;
Sherman, 190.
The destruction of the battleship, Maine, in Havana harbor
in February of this year and the determination of our govern-
ment to put an end to Spanish atrocities in Cuba, resulted in a
declaration of war with Spain on April 25. This war lasted only
about three and a half months and its results are too recent and
well known to require elucidation here.
Maine sent one regiment to this war, which, however, got
no farther than the rendezvous at Chickamauga, Tenn., the war
closing before it was called to the front. Neither Camden nor
Rockport had a military company belonging to the National
Guards, and therefore but comparatively few men from the two
WAR WITH SPAIN 517
towns were in the regiment. Eight, however, went from Camden
and two from Rockport. The Camden men were Wm. F. Hall,
Herbert E. Payson, James A. Cole, Lewis Knowlton, Fred B. Thorn-
dike, Daniel Lamphier, Wm. A. Herrick and Charles P. Freeman.
The latter, the only son of Mr. Perrin P. Freeman, contracted disease
in the unhealthy camp at Chickamauga, and on his way home
died in the hospital at Portland. J. Pennington Gardiner was in
the troop of " Rough Riders " who went to Tampa, Fla., but
were not called to Cuba. Fred O. Wooster of Camden served in
the Signal Corps in Cuba assisting in keeping up communication
between different parts of Gen. Shatter's army, and between the
army and navy during the operations before Santiago.
The Rockport men in the army were George W. Higgins and
Walter Higgins whose expeiience was similar to that of the Cam-
den volunteers.
Camden had several men in the navy during this war, viz :
William F. Glover, who held the lank of Ensign, served on
board the U. S. S. Fern, and participated in the naval battle at
Santiago; Nelson J. Hurd, who was in the Marine Corps on
board the battleship Indiana during the blocade at Santiago,
had charge of the search lights and was in the naval battle ; and
Charles Lee Dow, who served on the U. S. S. St. Paul, under
Capt. Sigsbee. Mr. Dow was not in the battle of Santiago but
his experience was, perhaps, the most interesting of any of the
Camden men. After the war, holding the rank of Sergeant, he
was ordered to Manilla on transport. City of Sidney, landing there
Sept. 21, 1899. He then did duty with the army against the
insurgents, participating in several battles under Gen. Lawton,
who was killed by the insurgents. In the winter and spring of
1900 with a detachment of eleven men he had charge of Ponta
Santiago lighthouse in southern Luzon for five months. In June
1900, he was ordered to the flagship, Brooklyn,- to take part in
the expedition of the powers to suppress the Boxer uprising. Mr.
Dow participated in the desperate fight to take Tien Sien in which
518 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
several men of his company were killed and wounded. He
marched to Pekin and was present at the taking of that capital.
Afterwards he did guard and patrol duty in the city until late in
fall, when he was ordered back to Manilla. Thence he went to
Guam where he did guard duty for nine months. From there he
returned to Manilla, thence coming to San Francisco where he
was discharged, Dec. 26, 1901. Charles Diplock served on the
New York and Howard Ramsey and J. Schlosburg also served in
the navy during the war.
The Rockport men in the navy, so far as we are able to learn,
were Alfred Mclntire who served on board the Brooklyn, Albert
Mclntire who was in the Marine Corps on the Annapolis, John K-
Salisbury who served on board the Mangrove, Ralph Higgins,
Charles Churchill, Alton Richards, Brown Small and Herman
Small; several of the latter being an board of our large auxiliary
cruisers.
This war proved to the world that the young men of this
generation are equal to their fathers in bravery, patriotism and
efficiency as soldiers and sailors, and Camden and Rockport have
reason to be proud of the few who volunteered for service in this
war and of the fact that many more would have volunteered had
they been needed to protect their country and maintain the rights
of humanity.
Joseph Thomdike of Rockport died this year on Sept. IS, at
the age of 76 years. Mr. Thomdike was a prominent citizen of
his town. He was a Democrat in politics and strongly devoted
to the principles of his party. He took great interest in town
affairs and during his long life filled many offices of trust and
responsibility. He was intelligent and well read, and his views
1. During the Spanish war there was tor a time some fear that this vicinity
might be visited by Spanish cruisers, and a company of "Home Guards" was
drilled in the Camden Opera House by W. H. Gardiner. At about the same time
several practical jokers, late one evening, exploded several heavy dynamite bombs
on Sherman's Point. Many timid people of the vUlage believed the detonations
to come from Spanish guns and some even imagined that they saw, lighted up by
the flashes, the deck of an hostile torpedo boat.
"WAR WITH SPAIN 519
on municipal affairs were always considered. He married Margaret
Corliss and had three children : Emma A., Walter T., and Mary
L.
1899. Camden: Annual meeting, March 27. Officers
elected: Charles C. Wood, Town Clerk ; Alden Miller, Jr., A.
B. Arey and F. A. Packard, Selectmen and T. J. French,
Treasurer.
The Rockport annual meeting was held March 20. W. F.
Dillingham was elected Town Clerk ; Fred W. Andrews, J. W.
Ingraham and Otis A. Fish were again re-elected Selectmen and
C. Fred Knight, Treasurer.
This year on account of the death of Hon. Nelson Dingley,
Representative to Congress, a special election for the choice of
his successor was called in the Second District on June 19. Hon.
Charles E. Littlefield of Rockland was the candidate of the Repub-
Ucan party and Hon. John Scott of Bath was the Democratic
candidate. Mr. Littlefield was elected by a large majority. In
Camden the vote stood, Littlefield, 316; Scott, 38. In Rock-
port the vote stood, Littlefield, 198 ; Scott, 44.
This year on Memorial Day the Soldiers' Monument in Cam-
den was unveiled with appropriate exercises. This monument
was the result of the faithful labors of the Soldiers' Monument
Association organized ten years before by a number of devoted
women of the town. Afterwards others of both sexes were added to
their ranks, and by suppers, entertainments, etc., they accum-
ulated the larger part of the funds to pay for the monument, the
balance being made up by popular subscription. The monument
was erected in what is now known as "Monument Square." Its base
is six feet square and it is surmounted by a granite statue of a soldier
of the Union Army, while the names of Camden's honored dead
are inscribed upon its sides. The total height of the monument is
17 feet and it was erected at an expense of $1400. The exer-
cises at its unveiling consisted of .an address by Reuel Robinson,
remarks by Rev. V. P. Wardwell in behalf of the soldiers and by
520 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
First Selectman, Alden Miller, tor the town, and a poem by
Joseph S. MuUin.
Capt. Justin H. Sherman of Camden, died at Portland, April
10. Capt. Sherman was the son of Capt. Isaac W. Sherman, and
was born in Islesboro, Maine, Sept. 13, 1844. He followed the
sea in his early life. Several years before his death he retired
from the sea. He was Deputy Collector of the Port of Rockport
during President Cleveland's second administration. He was
several times First Selectrn n of Camden and was Democratic
candidate for Representative in 1898. Several months before his
death he had been appointed agent of the Manhattan S. S. Co.,
with his office at Portland. Capt. Sherman married Kate, daugh-
ter of Elbridge E. Carleton. He had no children.
Edwin S. Rose who died Dec. 25, 1899, was the son of
Edwin Rose and was born in Thomaston, Maine, Dec. 20, 1850,
being 49 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Rose studied
pharmacy with Dr. F. G. Cook of Rockland and then formed a
partnership in the drug business with J. H. Wiggin at Rockland.
After continuing business there for some four years he came to
Camden in 1879 and together with his brother, Charles A. Rose,
bought out the drug business of Col. N. C. Fletcher, and
established the firm of Rose Bros. They carried on business for
a time in the Curtis building. Elm street and the new Knight
block. Mechanic Street. After the great fire in 1892, they moved
to the Hunt building. When the French (now Camden) block
was completed Mr. Rose moved into the corner store now occu-
pied by Chandler's Pharmacy, where he carried on the business
until July, 1897, when he formed a partnership with Mr. Chandler
which continued until his death. Mr. Rose was popular with all
who knew him and was justly held in high esteem by his fellow-
townsmen. He was a member and Past Grand of Mt. Battle
Lodge, I. O. 0. F., and a member of Amity Lodge, F. & A. M.,
Keystone R. A. Chapter and Claremont Commandery, K. T. Mr.
Rose married Eva A. Ames.
WAR WITH SPAIN 521
Capt. John Mclntire, died Feb. 1, 1899. He was the son
of Jeremiah Mclntire, who was born in Georgetown, Maine, Jan.
28, 1793, married Maiy Wallace at Georgetown and shortly after-
wards moved to Lincolnville. He came to Camden in 1829,
purchased the farm on Beauchamp Point where in addition to
farming he quarried and burned lime until the Jacobs Ume be-
came popular, which being of a lighter quality, superseded the
dark lime. He also engaged in salmon fishing which was very
profitable at that time, and was interested in fitting out fishing
vessels, and in ship-building, owning pieces of many vessels, in
all of which enterprises he accumulated a handsome competence.
The children of Jeremiah and Mary Mclntire were, William W.,
Jeremiah, Jr., John M., Mary E., Uriah F., Rhoda A. C, (who
married first, Jesse Page and second, John H. Handley). She
remained upon the farm until sold to Chas. W. Henry in 1899.
John M. Mclntire was a successful master mariner for many years.
He was bom in Camden, March 12, 1821, and lived there (Rock-
port) all his life. He married Frances Witherspoon. They were
the parents of several children, the only survivor of whom is Mr.
Clarence E. Mclntire.
Eben Thomdike, an old, highly respected and prominent
citizen of Rockport, died Feb. 2, aged 80 years and 3 months.
Mr. Thomdike married Julia Shepherd by whom he had three
children, Winnifred B., (who married W. H. Simons), Nellie,
and Edwin E.
Hon. Philander J. Carleton of Rockport, one of the most
prominent men in eastern Maine, died at the Maine General
Hospital, Portland, May 22. Mr. Carleton who was the sixth
son of William Carleton, was born at the old Carleton homestead,
Dec. 20, 1825. He obtained his education in the common
schools of his town and at Gorham Academy. When seventeen
years of age he entered the employ of the firm of Carleton & Nor-
wood at Rockport village, remaining with them for nearly all of
' the time until 1849, when he became a partner in th6 business.
522
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the firm name being changed to Carleton, Norwood & Co. After
the death of his elder brother and partner, Mr. Samuel D. Carle-
ton, Mr. Carleton became the head of the great firm whose name
for more than half a century has been so prominently known in
the commercial world as a synonym for enterprise, solidity and
integrity. Since Mr. Carleton's death the firm has been continued
Philander J. Carleton
by his sons, under the old name, the present members being
Messrs. Frank P. J. and Ralph W. Carleton. In addition to their
business at Rockport the firm, in 1870, purchased an interest
with Mr. J. P. Simon ton in a store at Camden and in 1872,
bought out Mr. Simonton's interest. This business they con-
tinued until 1882, when Mr. Carleton's son, Joseph Hall Carleton
WAR WITH SPAIN 523
and William H. Pascal were taken into the firm and the business
at Camden has since been carried on under the firm name of
Carleton, Pascal & Co., which concern today has one of the finest
stores in this section of the state and is doing a large business in
the grocery line. Subsequent to 1872, Carleton, Norwood & Co.
manufactured lime in Camden as well as Rockport, continuing to
do so until they sold out all of their lime business to the
Rockland-Rockport Lime Co. in 1901. Since that time the
principal business of the firm has been shipbuilding at Rockport.
The subject of this sketch for many years took an active interest
in municipal and political affairs, and although he held but few
town offices no man wielded a greater influence in town affairs and
local politics than he. In 1869 and 1870 he represented the
town in the Maine Legislature and in 1871 he was a member of
the Maine Senate. In 1870 he was the Democratic candidate
for Representative to Congress, running against Hon. Eugene
Hale, but failed of election, as has so generally been the case
with Democratic candidates in this state. Mr. Carleton was a
prominent Mason. He was raised in Amity Lodge in 1849, was
a charter member and Past Master of St. Paul's Lodge and a Past
High Priest of Keystone R. A. Chapter. Mr.Carleton was a gentle-
man of imposing presence and dignified bearing and impressed
all who met him as a man of character and ability. He married
Sarah Babb. The children born to them who reached maturity
were Frank P. J., Henry B., Joseph H., and Ralph W.
Capt. John Merrill of Rockport, died Aug. 13, 1899. He
was bom in Camden, Sept. 4, 1828, and was the eldest son of
Wilson Merrill who was bom in Bristol, Maine, Aug. 20, 1805,
came to Camden about 1825, and settled on the farm at Clam
Cove, now owned by his son Capt. Wilson Merrill. Mr. Merrill
carried on his farm, bumed lime and went to sea. He married
Hester Holden of Bristol and their children were, John, Allen
Wilson, Jr., Ellen, Elvira and Amariah. He died March 31,
1876. Capt. John went to sea at the age of eleven years and
524 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
was in command of a schooner at the age of nineteen. He
became one of the most successful master mariners on the coast
of Maine. He never married.
Capt. Samuel E. Shepherd of Rockport died Oct. 1. He was
the son of Jotham and Margaret (Ingraham) Shepherd and was bom
March 23, 1838. Capt. Shepherd went to sea at the early age
of 14 years and was master of the schooner A. S. Eells at the age
of 18. He was afterwards master of several vessels and retired
from a seafaring life in 1871. The following year a business
co-partnership was formed consisting of Jotham Shepherd, Capt.
R. E. Jones and Capt. Shepherd, which carried on the business
established by the senior partner in 1845. In 1876 Capt. Jones
retired from the firm and in 1880 the senior partner also retired
and H. L. Shepherd was admitted, the new firm taking the name
of S. E. & H. L. Shepherd which continued the business until
1892 when the corporation known as the S. E. & H. L. Shepherd
Co. was organized and Capt. Shepherd was elected its President.
This corporation does a large wholesale and retail business in
Rockport at the present time. In politics Capt. Shepherd was
a staunch Republican, always interested in the success of
his party. He was Deputy SheriS in 1877, and the next year he
was appointed Sheriff by the governor to fill a vacancy. The
same year he was elected Sheriff for the ensuing term. He again
served as Deputy Sheriff ii^ 1881. He was also, for several years,
a trustee of the Camden Savings Bank. Capt. Shepherd was a
member of St. Paul's Lodge, Keystone R. A. Chapter and Clare-
mont Commandery, K. T. In 1893, while in one of his com-
pany's quarries he met with a severe accident from which he
never recovered and which was doubtless the indirect cause of
his death. Capt. Shepherd married Ellen H. Andrews in 1864.
They had three children, Minnie P., Joseph F., and Henry.
Capt. Charles A. Sylvester of Rockport, who died Nov. 6,
1899, was a native of Appleton, Maine, and was born Feb. 3,
1822. In 1840 his father moved to Rockland, where the sub-
"WAR WITH SPAIN S25
iect of this sketch lived until 1861, when he went to Camden and
settled at Clam Cove on the place where he passed the remainder
of his life. Capt. Sylvester began going to sea as a young man,
and in a short time found himself in command of a small coasting
schooner. He soon began to sail larger vessels and in a few
years commanded large schooners. His last vessel was the bark,
Hanson Gregory, which he successfully commanded for several
years in the foreign trade. He retired from the sea in 1862 and
carried on his farm for the rest of his life. Capt. Sylvester was
prominent in town affairs, holding the office of Selectman and
other positions. He was for six years a County Commissioner of
Knox County, being elected in 1886. He was very prominent
in Masonic circles, being a member and Past Master of Aurora
Lodge, a member of King Solomon's R. A. Chapter, King Hiram's
Council and Claremont Commandery, Knights Templar. He was
for six years Eminent Commander of the latter body. Capt.
Sylvester married Lucinda, daughter of Hanson Gregory, by
whom he had the following children : George A., Nathaniel G.,
Charles E., Mary G., Richard C, and Joseph F., all of whom are
now deceased.
526 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER LX.
MASONIC Centennial.
1900. At the opening of the present decade Camden's
population was, according to the census then taken, 2885 and
its valuation 12,032,479. Rockport's population was 2314, and
its valuation $1,108,004. Both towns showed an increase in
population during the preceding ten years, and Camden a large
increase in wealth. Rockport, however, fell off somewhat in
valuation, a loss which it has since regained.
At Camden the annual town meeting was held March 19.
Charles C. Wood was again re-elected Town Clerk ; F. H. Wil-
bur, Josiah Hobbs and Everett N. Duffy were elected Selectmen
and T. J. French, Treasurer. At this meeting the foundation of
what was afterwards known as the " Camden Water Fight" was
laid by a vote passed to ask of the next Legislature, authority to
enable the town to establish a municipal water plant, and the
appropriation of the sum of $1,000 to pay the expense of pre-
senting the matter to the Legislature. There was considerable
opposition to the scheme among the tax payers of the town and
at a special town meeting held on June 5 , there was an article in
the warrant to see if the town would rescind the vote taken at
the annual meeting to raise $1,000 as aforesaid, but after some
discussion the article was " passed over."
At Rockport the annual town meeting was also held on
March 19. W. F. Dillingham was elected Town Clerk ; Fred W.
MASONIC CENTENNIAL 527
Andrews, John W. Shibles and Daniel Keller, Selectmen and C.
Fred Knight, Treasurer.
This y ear the following candidates for governor appeared i John
F. Hill, Republican, Samuel L. Lord, Democrat, Grant Rogers,
Prohibitionist and N. W. Lermond, Socialist. Mr. Hill had a
large majority of the votes cast and was elected. In Camden he
received 346 votes, Mr. Lord, 318, Mr. .Rogers, 11 and Mr.
Lermond, 14. In Rockport the vote for governor was as follows :
Hill, 270 ; Lord, 249; Rogers, 11 and Lermond, 3. The
whole Democratic county ticket was elected in Knox County ' this
year except Wm. N. Ulmer, Republican, who was re-elected
Sheriff by a small plurality. ThaddeusR.Simonton of Camden, who
had for two years been serving as Clerk of Courts by appointment
by the governor to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Maj.
R. R. Ulmer, was a candidate for that ofRce, receiving in Cam-
den 355 votes to 315 for G. B. Butler the Democratic candidate
and 11 for L. E. Bramhall of Camden the Socialist candidate.
Charles K. Miller of Camden was Democratic candidate for Judge
of Probate receiving in Camden 364 votes to 305 for Charles E.
Meservey the Republican candidate and 10 for J. Frank Carey of
of Rockport the Socialist candidate. Hubert C. Small of Cam-
den was Prohibition candidate for Sheriff, receiving in Camden 12
votes. Herbert L. Shepherd of Rockport was again the Republi-
can candidate for Senator and received in his own town 262 votes
to 245 for L. M. Staples the Democratic candidate. J. Frank
Carey received in Rockport 3 votes for Judge of Probate.
This year Rockport had the candidates for Representative.
They were Frank H. Ingraham, Republican and Fred W. An-
drews, Democrat. Mr. Andrews was elected. In Rockport the
vote was, Ingraham, 251 ; Andrews, 267. In Camden: Ingra-
ham, 264; Andrews, 401.
At the presidential election this year, Camden gave the Repub-
lican candidates for electors 366 votes, the Democratic candidates
254, the Prohibition candidates 11 and the Socialists candidates 26.
528 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Rockport at the same election voted as follows : Republicans 172,
Democrats 201, Prohibitionists 5 and SociaUsts 4. L. E. Bram-
hall of Camden was one of the Socialist candidates for electors.
Seaside Chapter, No. 70, Order of the Eastern Star, was
organized this year on February 26. The following were the
ofHcers of the Chapter installed at its institution : Ellen M. Mason,
W. M.; L. M. Kennisfon, W. P.; Lucy A. Coombs, A. M.;
Mary E. Wilson, Sec; Delia Clark, Treas.; Jennie Fitzsimmons,
C; Alice M. Paul, A. C; Lucy J. Weaver, Chap.; Chas. G.
Weaver, Mar.; Maud L. Maker, Adah; Georgia L. Brewster,
Ruth ; Jennie M. Wadsworth, Esther ; Henerietta E. Calderwood,
Martha ; Blanche B. Lamb, Electa ; Lydia Hary, W.; and W. H.
Eells, Sentinel. The present membership is 192-
At about this time the Mt. Battle Band was organized.
This excellent musical organization continued under this nariie for
some time but afterwards became the Camden Concert Band which
for several years, under the leadership of Harry J. Perkins, gained
a reputation never exceeded by any band in this section. Mr.
Perkins left town in 1904, after which the band continued for
sometime under other leadership, but finally disbanded in 1905. '
1901. On the meeting of the Legislature in January, 1901,
a bill for a municipal water charter for Camden was at once pre-
sented and referred to the judiciary committee. A large re-
monstrance from Camden, individual tax payers, was also pre-
sented, while the Camden & Rockland Water Company entered
its appearance in opposition to the proposed new charter. The
1. There have been several other bands organized in Camden, among them
being the ''Camden Band" and the "Megunticook Band," organized in the
eighties and continuing for several years, and the present *' Camden Band."
Among the musical organizations in Camden for the past twenty-five years, have
been several exceUent orchestras, among them might be mentioned, Berry's
Orchestra, Studley's Orchestra, Clark's Orchestra and the present Bucklin's
Orchestra which for a number of years has maintained a fine reputation as one of
the best organizations of the kind in the state.
In Eockport, Veazie's Band, Chas. B. Veazie leader, was organized. It
has always sustained an excellent reputation as a band and has done fine ser-
vice on many occasions.
MASONIC CENTENNIAL 529
fight was a long and strenuous one. The legislative committee
made a majority and minority report. The majority report,
signed by seven members of the committee, was against granting
the charter and the minority report, signed by three of the com-
mittee, was in favor of it., The majority report was accepted by
both House and Senate by decisive majorities and the charter was
lost. A. great deal of excitment and feeling had been aroused in
town by the agitation connected with the fight for the charter
which made itself felt at the annual town meeting held on March
25, immediately after the legislative votes on the matter, and this
meeting was one of the most turbulent and exciting in the history
of the town. At this meeting A. F. Achorn was elected Town
Clerk ; F. H. Wilbur, Josiah H. Hobbs and Everett N. Duffy,
Selectmen and T. J. French, Treasurer.
The Rockport annual meeting was held on March 18.
There was no change from the year 1900, in the principal town
officers elected except that A. D. Champney was elected
Treasurer.
During this year the Camden & Rockland Water Co. erected
the Stand Pipe on the side of Mt. Battle, connecting it with the
rest of their system in Camden by a twelve-inch main. They
also in other respects improved their plant in Camden, among
other things putting in more and better hydrants, giving the town
a service for the extinguishments of fires, second to none in the
state.
On June 24, (St. John's Day) Camden had one of the best
and most successful Masonic celebrations ever held in the state,
the occasion being the centennial anniversary of the birth of old
Amity Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M. The celebration consisted of
a parade in which all the Lodges in this vicinity, and the Com-
manderies from Rockland and Vinalhaven and two bands partici-
pated, there being some 800 men in line, headed by the follow-
ing mounted marshal and aids, viz : Reuel Robinson, Marshal
arid B. F. Adams, W. F. Bisbee, J. A. Brewster and E. E.
530 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Boynton, Aids. After the parade the following literary exercises
were held at the Opera House at which Edward D. Harrington,
Worshipful Master of the Lodge, presided : Historical Address,
Reuel Robinson, Past Master; Poem, George H. Cleveland,
Past Master; Address, Charles T. Gallagher, Grand Master of
the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. At 5 o'clock P. M., some 800
Masons sat down to a magnificent banquet at the "Casino," to
wit : the new Ume sheds of the Rockland-Rockport Lime Co. on
Bay View street. The Camden Concert Band dispensed fine
music during the banquet which was followed by interesting post-
prandial exercises. Past Master, Reuel Robinson acting as Toast-
master. Eloquent speeches were made by Hon. Charles T.
Gallagher, William J. Burnham, Deputy Grand Master of Maine,
Hon. T. R. Simonton, Past Senior Grand Warden of Maine,
Jesse H. Ogier, Hon. Edward L. Freeman, Past Grand Master of
Rhode Island and Col. Winfield S. Choate, Past Grand Master of
Maine. The business blocks and public buildings and many of
the residences of the village were elaborately and beautifully
decorated for the occasion. A grand ball at the Opera House in
the evening concluded the festivities of the celebration.
Camden lost several of its most prominent citizens during
the year.
David B. Withington died July 7. He was born in Camden,
Aug. 19, 1818. He was a carpenter by trade and a skillful and
finished workman in all departments of his trade. In his early
life Mr. Withington lived 26 years in Bath where he carried on
his trade. He then returned to Camden where he passed the re-
mainder of his life. Mr. Withington built many fine residences,
exainples of which are the Arthur Sewall house at Bath and H. L.
Alden's residence and Norumbega, at Camden. Mr. Withington
married Philena A. Robinson. He had no children.
Capt. Henry J. Hemingway, an honored citizen and success-
ful master mariner, died July 16. Capt. Hemingway was the son
of Josiah, and was bom in Camden. He followed the sea for
MASONIC CENTENNIAL 531
many years, but retired several years prior to his death. He was
always distinguished for his integrity and was actively identified
with many business interests of his town. He was for many years
a well loved member of the Congregational Church and Amity
Lodge, F. & A. M. Capt. Hemingway married Deborah A.
McKellar. Their children : William H., Charles H., Clara A.,
(who married Capt. Archibald W. Smith) and George F.
Hon. Isaac W. Sherman, who died Oct. 21, 1901, at the
age of 78 years, was one of the best known and most successful
shipmasters who ever sailed a vessel floating the American flag.
He was bom in Islesboro, Maine, Sept. 17, 1823. He made his
home in that town until 1849, when he Moved to Camden
where he passed the remainder of his life. He began going to
sea when 14 years of age and in 1843, when only 20 years old, he
found himself in command of the schooner Brilliant, a coasting
vessel of 118 tons. From that time until 1890, a period of 47
years, he was almost constantly in command of vessels, the great-
er portion of them being large ships engaged in foreign trade.
After three years in the coasting trade, he was for the same length
of time in the West India trade in command of the bark Annan-
dale. For some six years he was in the Southern cotton trade in
barks Falmouth and Llewellyn. From 1855 to 1862 he was in
the Calcutta trade, commanding ships Art Union and Highlander.
He then for six years, in the Atlantic trade, was captain of bark
Celeste Clark, ship Joseph-Clark and brig Fred Bliss. After an
interim of two years he took command of the 1500 tons ship
Bennington, in the Bombay trade. Following this he ran for a
short time to the West Indies in brig Maria W. Norwood and for
one year commanded the ship Success in the Atlantic trade. In
1875 he took command of the ship Raphael, 1544 tons, in which
he sailed the seas for ten years during which time he successfully
engaged in the East India trade. In 1885 Carleton, Norwood &
Co. had launched their magnificent four-masted ship Frederick
Billings, and the command of this great vessel was offered to
532 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Capt. Sherman. The Billings, which measured 2497 tons and
was one of the largest and finest ships afloat, Capt. Sherman sailed
with his usual success for five years, when, in 1890, he retired
from the sea. Capt. Sherman was a man of fine presence and
was a typical representative of the prosperous American deep-
water master mariners of the last half of the nineteenth century.
He possessed rare skill and judgment in the management of
vessels and during his long career as a sea captain he never
lost a vessel nor put into port for supplies and never extended
protest for damaged cargo, although he passed through five hurri-
canes at sea and one in the port of Hong Kong. After retiring
from the sea, Capt. Sherman bought an interest in the business of
the Camden Grist Mill Co. which he managed until his death.
Capt. Sherman was a life-long Democrat and when on shore tdok
much interest in politics. In 1871 he represented Camden in
the Maine House of Representatives and after retiring from his
sea-faring life he was at once nominated for Senator and was
elected by a good majority, serving one term from 1891 to 1893.
He was candidate for presidential elector in 1892, and after the
the division of the town was elected one of the first Assessors of
the new town but declined to serve. Capt. Sherman joined
Amity Lodge, F. & A. M., in 1894 and became a Royal Arch
Mason at Apalachicola, Fla., when in command of a vessel
running to that port, afterwards becoming one of the charter
members of Keystone Royal Arch Chapter at Camden. He
joined Claremont Commandery, No. 9, K. T., of Rockland in
1890. Capt. Sherman married Elizabeth Gilkey. Their children
were, Justin H., James M., Lizzie G., Frank S., Ralph L. and
KateF.
Benjamin C. Adams, son of Samuel G. and Adeline (Gush-
ing) Adams, died Oct. 28, 1901, at the age of 70 years. Mr.
Adams was bom at Owl's Head, South Thomaston, but he lived
his life in Camden. For forty years Mr. Adams and his brother
Joshua, were in business, the firm name being J. & B. C. Adams,
MASONIC CENTENNIAL 533
a firm most favorably known in the business world for its integrity
and square dealing. Mr. Adams possessed rare business ability.
He was honest, careful and methodical and it was always
said of him that " his word was as good as his bond." He was
for many years a Director of the Knox Woolen Company,
was elected its President in 1876 and its Treasurer in 1890,
holding both offices at the time of his death. Mr. Adams was a
quiet, thoughtful and courteous gentleman of the old New
England type, a devoted husband and father and valuable citizen.
In politics he was a Republican and was much interested in his
party's welfare. Mr. Adams married, Nov. 6, 1865, Sarah B.,
daughter of Judge Horatio Alden. Of their four children the
eldest, a son, died in infancy. Their three daughters are, Fannie
L., (who married Wm. T. Plummer), Bessie A., and Adeline,
(who married Gordon S. Carrigan. )
Rockport this year lost three prominent citizens. John S.
Foster, Esq., who died Feb. 21, at the age of 49 years, Capt.
Franklin Shepherd who died Feb. 26, at the age of 60 years and
Elliot Orbeton who died May 27, at the age of 79 years.
John S. Foster, Esq., was born in Montville, Maine, Jan. 15,
1852. He received his academic education at the town schools.
Freedom Academy and Castine Normal School. After leaving the
Normal School he successfully taught school for several years.
He began the study of law in the office of Judge George E.
Johnson of Belfast, in 1875, and remained there until admitted to
the bar in 1878. He first began the practise of his profession at
Thorndike, where he remained about two years, when he came to
Camden, settling in Rockport village where he continued to
practise until his death. Mr. Foster was a successful attorney
and merited and received the regard and confidence of his fellow-
townsmen by his honesty and careful business methods. He was
several times Collector of the town and also held the offices of
Treasurer and Superintendent of schools. In 1880, Mr. Foster
married Hattie J. Higgins of Thorndike.
534 HISTORY or CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Capt. Franklin P. Shepherd, the son of Jotham and
Margaret (Ingraham) Shepherd, was a native of Camden, and was
bom Oct. 28, 1840. He early went to sea and soon rose to the
command of large vessels, being one of the successful master
mariners of his day. His whole life was devoted to his profession
until he retired in 1896. Capt. Shepherd married for his first
wife Susan M. Jameson. They were the parents of two children :
Robert E., and Annabel, (who married Geo. T. Hodgman.) For
his second wife he married Maggie C. Wolfe. They were the
parents of four children all of whom died in infancy.
Elliot Orbeton was born at West Camden (now West Rock-
port), Feb. 14, 1821. Being bereft of his father in childhood he
had to provide for himself at an early age, and was thereby almost
wholly deprived of school privileges, but by his industry and integrity
became one of the successful and respected business men of this
section. From early manhood to the year 1864 he worked at the
blacksmith's trade. In 1864 he built a store at West Camden
and engaged in the general merchandise trade to the end of his
life. He was intensely interested in the affairs of his village and
town and had much to do in promoting the highest welfare of
both. Being a level-headed, discreet business man, his advice
was often sought in important matters pertaining to public and
private afiairs. He served in many municipal capacities, being
on the Camden and Rockport boards of Selectmen for four terms.
For seventeen years he served the old town as Collector of taxes,
and few men have been his equal as a Collector. He was also for
eight years Postmaster at West Camden. In politics Mr. Orbeton
was a Republican from the organization of that party and a strong
advocate of temperance. In 1843 Mr. Orbeton manied Eveline,
daughter of John Achom, and they passed their whole life in his
native village in the same house, which has been enlarged and
modified from time to time. Of their twelve children five died in
infancy. The remaining seven reached and passed middle life
before death again entered the family. They were, Eliza, (who
MASONIC CENTENNIAL S3S
married J. A. Clark), Augustus, Amelia, (who married Capt. W.
T. O'Brien of St. George), Eva, (who married S. L. Andrews),
Ada, (who married G. A. Andrews), Avilla, (who married Dr. F.
W. Gordon of Sterling, 111.,) and George, who lives on the home
place.
536 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER LXr.
Recent Events in the Two Toavns.
1902. Camden. There was no change from 1901 in the
Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer elected this year at the
annual meeting held March 24, except that the first and second
Selectmen changed places, Mr. Hobbs being elected First Select-
man and Mr. Wilbur, Second.
This year the town for the first time voted to choose a com-
mittee of 21 citizens, whose duty it should be to consider the
various articles in the town warrant and make a report to the
annual town meeting, recommending what action the town should
take under each article, especially those articles calling for appro-
priations. Since then the town has each year appointed a com-
mittee of this character and its recommendations have seldom
been over-ruled by the voters in town meeting. This has resulted
in reducing the aggregate of appropriations and in other respects
has contributed to the advantage of the town.
Rockport. This town also made no change in its principal
town officers at the annual meeting also held on March 24, except
in the case of Second Selectman to which office William H.
Clough was elected.
Gov. Hill was this year re-nominated by the Republican
party and re-elected. The other gubernatorial candidates were
Samuel W. Gould, Democrat, James Perrigo, Prohibitionist and
Charles L. Fox, Socialist. This year the Prohibition party cast
RECENT EVENTS
537
the largest vote ever cast by that party in the state, its candidate
for governor receiving 4,429 votes.
In Camden the vote for governor resulted as follows : Hill,
330; Gould, 295; Perrigo, 10; Fox, 47. Rockport's vote for
governor resulted as follows: Hill, 140; Gould, 251; Perrigo,
8 ; Fox, 8.
Central Street, RocKport Village
The same forces that effected the election of the Demo-
cratic senatorial and county tickets in 1900, continued to influence
the voters this year, resulting in the election of the Democratic
candidates for senator and county officers by substantially the same
pluralities as at the preceding election. Reuel Robinson of Cam-
den was the RepubUcan candidate for Senator receiving 357 votes
538 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
in Camden, while his Democratic opponent, L. M. Staples, received
284. Wilder W. Perry of Camden was the Prohibition candidate
for Senator receiving 8 votes in Camden. F. P. Alexander of
Camden was Socialist candidate for Sheriff receiving in Camden
46 votes. Frank H. Ingraham of Rockport was Republican can-
didate for County Attorney and received in Rockport 164 votes to
242 for Philip Howard, Democrat. Clarence E. Paul of Rock-
port was Democratic candidate for Register of Deeds and received
in Rockport 246 votes to 147 for Frank B. Miller, RepubUcan.
The Legislature of 1901 made various changes in the classi-
fication of the towns in the state for the election of Representa-
tives to the Legislature, and among them separated Camden and
Rockport which had been classed together since the division.
The Camden class now consists of the towns of Camden, Hope
and Appleton and the Rockport class of Rockport and St. George.
In the Camden class the candidates for Representative were
Camden men, viz : Charles C. Wood, RepubUcan, E. Frank
Knowlton, Democrat and George W. Varney, Socialist. Mr.
Knowlton was elected, the vote in Camden resulting as follows :
Wood, 306 ; Knowlton, 344 ; Varney, 29.
In the Rockport class the candidates were Rockport men,
viz : , William J. Robbins, Republican and Joseph H. Carleton,
Democrat. Mr. Carleton was elected. The vote in Rockport
resulted as follows : Robbins, 133 ; Carleton, 266.
This year in May, Megunticook National Bank started busi-
ness in Camden. The following were the first officers of the
bank : Joshua Adams, President ; Guy Carleton, Cashier ; Joshua
Adams, G. 'E. Carleton, H. M. Bean, W. Grinnell, G. T. Hark-
ness, E. F. Knowlton, C. E. Mclntire, J. H. Montgomery, E. C.
Fletcher, C. W. Babb, A. L. Moore and John Pascal, Directors,
This bank has a capital of $50,000, and is doing a prosperous
business.
Another business corporation was organized this year in
September, viz : the Camden Yacht Building & Railway Company.
RECENT EVENTS 539
This company was promoted chiefly by the late Charles W. Henry
of Philadelphia, a prominent summer resident of Rockport. It
purchased all the land and shore rights on the eastern side of
Camden's inner harbor, built two marine railways there and has
since been conducting an extensive business. The .first officers
elected were, H. M. Bean, President ; Reuel Robinson, Clerk
and Treasurer ; H. M. Bean, Charles W. Henry, W. Grinnell,
A. J. Q. Knowlton, W. E. Schwartz, H. L. Shepherd and Reuel
Robinson, Directors.
This year the Camden Trotting Park, owned by the Camden
Trotting Park Association, opened with a most successful celebra-
tion on July 4. This park has an excellent half mile track,
and is the only park in the state having a sub-way entrance. It
has since been the scene of many successful celebrations and
races and for a number of years several successful and interesting
fairs were held there.
Penobscot View Grange, No. 388, P. of H., was organized
at Glen Cove, Rockport, March 24, 1902, with the following first
officers: Frank H. Ingraham, M.; Parks Buker, O.; Chas. A.
Sylvester, L.; Henry J. Billings, S.; Hiram M. Gregory, A. S.;
Lizzie E. Gregory, C; Margaret Billings, Treas.; J. E. Rhodes,
2d, Sec'y.; L.C. Jackson, G.K.; S. Louise Shaw, Ceres ; Belle M.
Gregory, Pomona; Hattie A. Buker, Flora; Ava W. Jackson,
L. A. S. This Grange now has a membership of 110 and has
recently completed a large hall building at the Cove.
John Pascal of Rockport, died July 2, 1902, at the age of
84 years. Mr. Pascal was born in Warren, July 24, 1818, and
moved to Rockport village about the year 1852 and entered the
employ of Carleton, Norwood & Co. as master-builder, for whom
he built 62 vessels. He was a most skillful and successful biiilder
of vessels, and a man of staunch and rugged honesty, who
possessed the respect and regard of all his fellow citizens. Mr.
Pascal married Clementine Thomdike. They had one son,
Chester L.
540 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Mr. Pascal's brother, Alexander Pascal, was born in Warren
about the year 1813 and came to Rockport village at about the
same time that his brother did. He was a carpenter by trade and
built many houses in this vicinity. He was a highly respected
citizen and was much interested in the institution of Free Masonry,
being a charter member and the first Treasurer of St. Paul's Lodge.
Mr. Pascal married for his first wife Sarah Andrews and their
children were Emily, (who married W. B. Richardson) and Mary
Antoinette (who married Joseph H. Norwood.) For his second
wife he married Sophia A. Russell, the children of this marriage
being Charles A., William H., and Louise.
Capt. John Woster, a well known farmer, died August 8,
1902, aged 82 years. He was born in North Haven, Maine, and
was the son of David and Lydia Crockett Woster. For years he was
master of the packet running from North Haven to Camden. In
1864 he bought the Jonathan Corthell place on Hope road, where
he carried on quite extensive farming. He married for his first
wife Sarah Femald and their children were Margaret, (who married
John H. Wright), EUza A., (who married first Ephraim T. Hark-
ness and second Oren S. Waterman), Orris B., Flora, Henry,
Mary Jane, Mary, (who married Fred G. Andrews), Edgar, Edwin,
Oscar, Abbie, (who married Herbert M. Howe), John and Frank.
By his second wife, who was Lelia A. Mathews, his children were,
L. Eva, Charles M., Clara D. C, (who married first David C.
Rollins and second Wm. H. Hosmer), Alice C, (who married
Fred W. Brown), Louisa G., Fannie E., (who married Harry
L. Brown.) In all Mr. Woster was the father of 19 children,
three of whom died in infancy.
Thomas H. Hunt of Camden died, D^c, 14, 1902, at the
age of 82 years and 8 months. Mr. Hunt was the son of Simon
Hunt, and succeeded his father in his business which he carried
on most successfully all his life, giving it his attention almost up
to the time of his death. Mr. Hunt was born in Camden, April
13, 1820. He married Sara!} B. Keene of Appleton who was his
RECENT EVENTS 541
helpmate for almost half a century. Mr. Hunt was in business
continually for 60 years and in the old store on the corner of Elm
and Chestnut street for 58 years. He was a quiet man, honor-
able in his dealings, careful in his business and methodical in his
habits. He was- a constant worshipper at St. Thomas Episcopal
Church for 47 years. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt
were three, Carrie I., who died in infancy, Thomas A., and Fred
E. The latter died in early manhood.
1903. This year on petition of a large number of the
leading business men of Camden, the Legislature passed an Act
which was approved, Feb. 13, incorporating the " City of Cam-
den," subject to the approval of the voters of the town. This
act, if accepted by the voters within five years from its approval,
will give Camden a modified form of city government, with a
Mayor and one board in its council consisting of ten Aldermen.
It will also do away with Camden Village Corporation which by
the act is merged in the city and will give the city a municipal
court. ^ On Feb. 28, a town meeting was called to vote on the
question of accepting the city charter, which the town refused to
accept, the vote standing: No, 311 ; Yes, 133.
The Camden annual meeting was held on March 16. The
Selectmen and Treasurer were again re-elected and E. E. Boyn-
ton was elected Town Clerk.
Rockport held its annual meeting on March 23, electing
W. F. Dillingham, Clerk ; Fred Andrews, Wm. H. Clough and
I. B. Keene, Selectmen and A. D. Champney, Treasurer.
In May, 1903, Dr. George Shorkley of Camden, joined the
Ziegler Polar Expedition as surgeon-in-chief. A staunch vessel,
the America, had been constructed especially for the expedition,
which left Vardo, Norway, July 10, its passengers and crew hav-
ing strong hope of succeeding where so many had failed and of
reaching the north pole during the following year. The expedi-
1. For Camden City Charter, see Maine Acts and Resolves of 1903 ; Private
and Special Acts, Chapter 25.
542 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
tion reached Franz Joseph Land, where it was to pass the winter
and there on Nov. 21, had the great misfortune to lose its vessel
with a large portion of its supplies by its being overwhelmed and
sunk, while lying in Teplitz Bay, by an ice floe driven by a gale.
After this misfortune the members of the expedition made several
dashes over the ice in the direction of the pole, but in their
crippled condition were unable to reach a higher latitude than
82 degrees and 14 minutes North, which was no higher than the
ship reached before her destruction. The relief expedition did
not reach them during the summer of 1904, and they were obliged
to pass another winter in the ice, thrown upon their own re-
sources for their food and other necessaries of life. The
summer of 1905 also passed without the coming of the relief
expedition, but just at the edge of autumn when the ice was
about to close in upon them again, when it seemed to the al*
most discouraged explorers that another terrible winter must be
passed at the North and when their friends at home had almost
given them up for lost, the relief ship appeared and rescued them
from their perilous situation. The expedition lost but one man
who died of disease. Dr. Shorkley reached Camden, Sept. 30,
1905, none the worse for the hardships he had endured, and the
thrilling and perilous adventures through which he had passed in
his heroic attempt to reach the pole. ^
Megunticook Grange, No. 423, P. of H., was organized at
Camden, Sept. 21, 1903. The following first oflScers were in-
stalled : Geo. E. Nash, M.; Sylvester Phinney, O.; Cora B.
Morse, L.; Willis P. Young, 2d, S.; Jas. C. Morse, A. S.; Eliza 0.
Woster, C; 0. B. Woster, Treas.; Lucy E. Pendleton, Sec'y.;
1. In May , 1902, Dr. Shorkley acted as surgeon to the Baldwin - Ziegler auxiliary
expedition, returning in November of the same year. The object of this expedition
was to relieve the Baldwin -Zeigler Polar expedition sent out the year before.
Prior to settling in Camden, Dr. ShorMey served in the war with Spain, being
commissioned First Lieutenant of the First Regiment of Pennsylvania Infantry
Volunteers. This regiment lay in southern camps and had the same experience
as the Maine Regiment. While in camp Dr. Shorkley was detailed as sanitary
officer of the Third Brigade.
RECENT EVENTS S43
G. A. Morse, G. K.; Mary A. Nash, Ceres ; Geneva F. Dow,
Pomona; Josephine Phinney, Flora; Annie Young, L. A. S.
This Grange now has a membership of 166.
In October and November a small pox epidemic raged in
both Camden and Rockport. There were between twenty and
thirty cases in all, the most of them in Camden. Some of the
cases were serious but none fatal. The prompt and effective
measures against the spread of the disease, taken by the authori-
ties of the two towns resulted in stamping it out in a few weeks. ^
This year is marked by the death of two prominent Camden
citizens, Isaac Coombs who died March 12, and Thaddeus R.
Simonton who died April 29.
Capt. Isaac Coombs was born in Islesboro, Maine, April 28,
1827, and was nearly 76 years of age at the time of his death.
He was of French descent his ancestor setthng in New Meadows,
Mass., early in the seventeenth century. Capt. Coombs early
went to sea and was master of a vessel at the age of 21. In this
capacity he followed the sea for thirty years, commanding several
large and notable vessels, among them being the transport ship,
Onward, during the civil war, from 1861 to 1863, carrying troops
and munitions of war for the government. In this ship he trans-
ported the Twenty-first Maine Regiment from New York to New
Orleans, in February, 1863. In 187S, Capt. Coombs retired from
the sea and devoted himself to shipbuilding in Camden until 1892
building during this period twelve vessels, owning a large part in
each. As a ship-builder he was associated for a time with
Samuel Q. Day and later with Capt. Joseph T. Conant. Capt.
Coombs was a Democrat in politics and was greatly interested in
political and municipal affairs. He served in various town offices
including that of Treasurer in 1890-91 and Selectman in 1893.
He was also Assessor of Camden Village Corporation and Treasurer
1. Camden has been visited by this scourge but seldom. In the winter of 1864
however, a small pox epidemic broke out here which caused the schools and
churches to be closed tor a long time, and resulted in the death of several persons.
544 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
of the Corporation in 1893 when the new " Opera House" was
built and it was as much due to Capt. Coombs' pluck and deter-
mination as to any one thing, that the building was finally erected.
He represented the town in the Legislature in 1872. In 1894
he was appointed Postmaster of Camden by Pres. Cleveland and
served four years in that capacity. He served for many years as
President of the Camden Home for Aged Women. Capt. Coombs
was an enterprising and progressive citizen and fearlessly advocated
whatever he considered to be for the best interest of his town, being
an apt and ready speaker. He was one of those men who axe always
young and to the day of his death, in public matters, generally
trained with the young men of the town. Capt. Coombs was an
enthusiastic Mason, being a member of Amity Lodge, Keystone
Chapter and Claremont Commandery. He was the forty-first
Master of his Lodge and was a Past High Priest of the Chapter.
He was also a member and Past Grand of Mt. Battie Lodge, I. 0.
0. F., and at one time was President of the Business Men's
Association. Capt. Coombs was thrice married. His first wife
was Elmira Drinkwater, by whom he had three children, all of
whom died young. His second wife was Arethusa Drinkwater,
sister of his first wife, by whom he also had three children, Louis,
Myra D., and Ferdinand I. A few months before his death he
married Haniet Handley.
Hon. Thaddeus R. Simonton, for many years one of the best
known public men of eastern Maine, was the son of William
Simonton and was born at Simonton's Corner, Ckmden, Sept. 27,
1829. He received his education in the common schools, Belfast
Academy, Maine Wesleyan Seminary and Bowdoin College,
graduating from the latter institution in 1853, in the same class
with Hon. Melville W. Fuller, Chief Justice of the United States.
He studied law with Nehemiah Abbott of Belfast, was admitted to
the Waldo Bar in 1855 and began the practise of his profession
the same year in company with Hon. Ephraim K. Smart at Cam-
den. He was appointed the first County Attorney of the new
RECENT EVENTS 5 45
County of Knox in 1860. In 1861 he was appointed Deputy
Collector of Customs for the port of Camden and held that position
for eighteen years. In October, 1882 he purchased a half in-
terest in The Camden Herald and became its editor and manager
which position he continued to hold for eight years. He was
State Senator from Knox County in 1885-86, and was elected
ThactcCeus R. Simonton
presidential Elector in 1888, casting his vote as such for Benja-
min Harrison. In 1890 he was appointed by Secretary Windom,
Special Agent of the United States Treasury and held that office
until 1893. In 1898 he was appointed by Gov. Powers, Clerk
of Courts for Knox County, which office he held .for over two
years. Mr. Simonton was several times prominently talked of in
546 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
connection with both a gubernatorial and congressional nomina-
tion. Mr. Simonton was a strong friend of temperance. In 1880
and '81 he was Grand Chief Templar of the Grand Lodge I.
0. G. T., of Maine and when in the Senate was chairman of the
committee on temperance. He was a well read lawyer and good
advocate. He was an excellent stump speaker and platform orator
and lecturer, and as such his services were often in requisition both
in this and other states. He possessed a fine literary ability and
was the author of "Picturesque Camden," the first and one of the
best of the excellent works that have been issued descriptive of
Camden's unrivalled attractions as a summer resort. Mr. Simon-
ton was much interested in Masonry. He was the twenty-ninth
Master of Amity Lodge, serving two terms. He was the first
High Priest of Keystone Chapter, was Junior Grand Warden of
Maine from 1866 to 1868 and Senior Grand Warden from 1868 to
1870. Mr. Simonton married Josephine Hall and their children
are Anne W., and Joseph H. At the time of his death he
was 73 years and 7 months of age.
WiUiam V. Lane, a former citizen of Camden, died here
July 26, 1903. Mr. Lane was bom in Vinalhaven, Nov. 4, 1849.
He was a photographer by trade and a master at his calling. He
came to Camden about 1883, built the gallery now owned by
Potter and continued in business there for IS years when he re-
moved to Boston. While here Mr. Lane was for many years
Chairman of the Board of Assessors of Camden Village Corpora-
tion in which he was greatly interested especially in the success
of the new " Opera House" of which he was one of the most en-
thusiastic promoters. He was President of the Business Men's
Association and served one year as town Road Commission-
er. Mr. Lane married first, Viola Calderwood and second,
Annie V. Gray who died quite suddenly a short time prior to Mr.
Lane's death. He had been in poor health for some time and in his
sorrow and physical weakness came back to visit the scenes where
had been happiest and most prosperous, when he was suddenly
RECENT EVENTS 547
stricken down by apoplexy, dying in a few moments after the
attack.
Rockport also lost two prominent citizens this year, John H.
Eells who died March 6, and Joseph H. Carleton who died
August 14.
John H. Eells was the son of Albert S. Eells and grandson
of the early settler, John Eells. He was bom in Camden about
the year 1845 and always made Rockport village his home where
he was actively identified with various industries. He was
practically the owner and was manager of a large lime plant, en-
gaged in ship-building and in trade. He was a Trustee of the
Camden Savings Bank and was held in the highest regard by all
his business associates and neighbors. He represented Camden
in the Legislature in 1886 and 1888 and while at Augusta looked
carefully after the interests of his constituents. Mr. Eells married
Ella G. Adams of Portland. Having been in poor health for a
long time, Mr. Eells, accompanied by his wife, sought the genial
climate of southern California hoping to regain his wasted strength.
He was unsuccessful in the quest, and died in Los Angeles at
the age of 58 years.
Joseph H. Carleton was the son of Philander J. Carleton and
was born in Rockport village, Dec. 29, 1859. Mr. Carleton
was very prominent as one of the younger business men
of this section and was a member of the firm of Carleton,
Norwood & Co. For some twelve years, ending in 1898,
he was located in Portland, looking after his firm's business in
that city. He was also, from 1883, a member of the firm of
Carleton, Pascal & Co. doing business at Camden village. He
was a Democrat in politics and served the Rockport class as
Representative in the Legislature in 1903.
Charles W. Henry, a summer resident of Rockport, and a
man well loved by the people of the two towns, died at his home
in Philadelphia, Pa., on Nov. 23, 1903. Mr. Henry was born in
Philadelphia in 1852, received his education in the public schools
548 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
and at the age of twenty he acquired his father's interest in the
lumber business conducted under the name of Henry, Bayard
& Co. and remained a member of the firm until his death. He
was exceedingly successful and prominent as a business man and
was deeply interested in the municipal afiairs of his native city.
He held many positions of trust and responsibility, both public
and private, and was interested in many financial and industrial
institutions. In 1899, Mr. Henry purchased the Mclntire farm
on Beauchamp Point, Rockport, where he made his summer home
during the remainder of his life. Afterwards he purchased
adjacent property and various other choice pieces of real estate in
Rockport and Camden. He at once proceeded to develop his
property, building cottages, laying out and constructing roads,
which he afterwards dedicated to the public use, and brought
many of his friends to this region who also assisted in developing
the two towns as summer resorts. He was the chief promoter of
the Camden Yacht Building & Railway Company and had many
plans for advancing the interests and prosperity of Rockport and
Camden, using his wealth and great business ability for the benefit
of these towns and their people who held a large place in his
affections. No native of the two towns took a greater interest
than Mr. Henry in the welfare and progress of their people and
institutions, whether on business, political, moral or religious lines.
He interested himself in the political success of his friends here ;
was principally instrumental in the organization of the Rockport
Y. M. C. A.; was a constant attendant at the services of the
Camden Congregational Church and was generous in his con-
tributions toward the maintainence of these and all other merit-
orious local institutions, and, as a noble-hearted Christian gentle-
man, endeared himself to all the people of this locality. His
widow, who was Miss Sallie B. Houston, and son, T. Charlton and
daughters, Gertrude and Elizabeth, still make their summer home
at ' Orchard Farm " on Beauchamp Point.
CONWAY MEMORIAL 549
CHAPTER LXII.
Conway Memorial.
1904. This year at a special town meeting held on
March 10, Camden again voted on the question of adopting the
city charter, and again rejected it by a vote of 436 to 122.
At the annual meeting held March 14, there was no change
in the. principal town ofKcets elected in 1903, except that Samuel
B. Haskell was elected Treasurer.
The annual town meeting of Rockport was held March -21.
W. F. Dillingham, Clerk, and A. D. Champney, Treasurer,
were re-elected and Fred W. Andrews, Corydon S. York-and Otis
A. Fisk were elected Selectmen.
Three candidates for governor were again in the field at the
state election this year. The Republicans had nominated
William T. Cobb of Rockland, the Democrats, Cyrus W. Davis,
the Prohibitionists, Nathan F. Woodbury and the Socialists,
Wilbur G. Hapgood. Mr. Cobb was elected by about 27,000
plurality.
In Camden Mr. Cobb received 384 votes ; Mr. Davis, 311 ;
Mr. Woodbury, 7 and Mr. Hapgood 30. In Rockport Mr.
Cobb received 148 votes and Mr. Davis 172.
The political campaign in Knox County was this year one of
the liveliest and most exciting for several years. The Republi-
cans were more confident of winning than for several years, while
the Democrats, well organized and strongly entrenched, were
550 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
equally confident. What the result would have been under the usual
conditions cannot be known, for a mistake in the ballots sent to
the two towns of Rockport and St. George, involving the whole
County ticket, and necessitating the use of "blanket stickers"
by both parties, resulted in such mutilations of the ballots cast in
both towns and such a difference of opinion on the parts of the
two boards of municipal officers as to the validity of the votes
cast ^ that a variance of opinion will always exist as to
what the result would have been but for this unfortunate occur-
ance. The returns, however, showed that the whole Democratic
ticket was elected, the Senator and Register of Probate by a very
few votes, and the balance of the ticket by pluralities ranging
from about 100 to over 300.
Reuel Robinson of Camden was again the Republican can-
didate for senator, his opponent again being L. M. Staples. In
Camden the senatorial vote stood, Robinson, 404 ; Staples,. 290.
L. E. Bramhall of Camden was Socialist candidate for Clerk of
Courts, receiving in Camden 29 votes. Chas. K. Miller of
Camden was Democratic candidate for Judge of Probate receiving
355 votes in Camden to 346 for his opponent Chas. E. Meservey.
E. H. Bramhall of Camden was Socialist candidate for Judge of
Probate and received 27 votes in Camden. George H. Page of
Appleton, Republican, was elected Representative in the Camden
class.
Rockport had no candidate for any office at this election
except John F. Bennett of that town who was Socialist candidate
for County Treasurer and received 1 vote in his own town. In
the Rockport class K. F. Marshall of St. George, Republican, was
elected Representative.
At the presidential election in November, the votes for
electors in the two towns were as follows : Camden, Republican,
1. In Rockport the " blanket ticket " voters were counted and returned, while
in St. George exactly the same kind of votes were rejected as invalid. Each
political party claimed that it was the looser by the mistake.
CONWAY MEMORIAL 551
363 ; Democratic, 160. Rockport, Republican, 125 ; Demo-
cratic, 155.
The winter of 1904, was the coldest since 1875. Penob-
scot Bay was frozen over and for several weeks teams passed from
the main land to Islesboro. Both Camden and Rockport harbors
were frozen over for several days. Rockland harbor was covered
with ice for a long period and Belfast harbor for a much longer
period. For a time the island boats came to Camden instead of
Rockland, the harbor being closed for a shorter period than at
Rockland. During this winter this section sustained quite a
severe earthquake shock.
Dexter W. Russell of Camden, died Dec. 27, 1904. Mr.
Russell was born in Warren, Me., May 29, 1827, and came to
Camden in the year 1848. He at first worked in Alden and
Bachelder's block mill. Later he went to New York to learn to
strap blocks and on his return continued to work for the same
company. Afterwards he carried on the blacksmith's trade, oc-
cupying a shop on Bay View Street for many years and continued
his business up to the day of his death. Mr. Russell was a
stalwart Republican in politics always true to the interests of his
party. He was an honorable man, kind neighbor and highly
respected citizen and maintained toward his friends an unswerv-
ing loyalty. He was a member of Amity Lodge, F. & A. M. On
June 9, 1849, Mr. Russell married Esther A. Jones a native of
Warren. The children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Russell were,
Franklin E., Emma A., Elizabeth A., and Carrie L., (who
married Israel E. Decrow.)
Abel Merriam, a prominent Rockport citizen died July 13,
1904. Mr. Merriam was a native of Camden and was born in
1820. He was the son of Jonathan and Tryphena (Gleason)
Merriam, who were married in Princeton, Mass., in 1802 and
shortly afterwards came to Camden. Their children were,
William, Ezra, Sophia T. G., Jesse G., Abel, Jonathan and Jonas.
The subject of this sketch was, in early life, a caulker by trade.
552 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
In 1840 he went to Rockport village and in 1854 he there formed
a partnership with Albert S. Eells carrying on a ship building
business and a general store. This partnership was dissolved and
the firm of Merriam & Shepherd was formed in 1857, which
continued unlil 1872. Mr. Merriam was Selectman of Camden
in 1862 and '63 and represented the town in the Legislature in
1865 and '66. In 1867 he was Republican candidate for senator,
but shared the fate of many other candidates of that party in
Knox County namely, — was defeated. Mr. Merriam first married
Rachel Fuller. Their children were Wilson A. and Charles B.
For his second wife he married Harriet H. Curtis and the children
of this marriage were Sophia G., (who married E. S. Philbrook),
Harriet R., Edward C, and AUce T., (who married H. H. Miller.)
Mr. Merriam's eldest brother, Hon. William Merriam, was a
man of considerable prominence while residing in Camden. He
was bom in Camden in September, 1805 and lived here until
1861. When a young man he carried on the business of a tanner,
being associated with his father-in-law, Moses Parker. He after-
wards opened a shoemaker's shop in the old Masonic building
and later was a book-seller in the same building for many years.
He held many official positions in tovra, among them being that
of Selectman for seven years. He represented the town in the
Legislature in 1848 and '49, was State Librarian in 1850 and a
member of Gov. Lot M. Morrill's Council in 1858 and '59. In
1861, under President Lincoln's administration, he was appointed
head Measurer in the Boston Custom House. Mr. Merriam was
a Methodist and greatly interested in the formation of the
Methodist Church at Camden village and in the erection of the
meetinghouse there, of which he was one of the chief promoters.
Mr. Merriam married Maria Parker, by whom he had a large
family of sons and daughters. Those who attained maturity are
Andrew, William, Jr., Maria, (who married S. C. Goodwin),
Ellen S., Frank and Ida A.
1905. At the Camden annual meeting held March 20,
CONWAY MEMORIAL
5S3
no change was made in the Town Clerk, Selectmen and Treasurer.
At the Rockport annual meeting also held March 20, W. F.
Dillingham and A. D. Champney were again re-elected Town
Clerk and Treasurer, respectively and Geo. H. M. Barrett,
Corydon S. York and A. A. Packard were elected Selectmen.
The winter of 1905, was a repetition of the preceding one
Main. Street, Camcten Village. 1905
in severity, the bay being frozen over for a large portion of the
time. There have never been two such severe winters in suc-
cession at any other time in the history of this region.
This year Mr. Justus C. Strawbridge of Philadelphia, one of
Camden's summer residents, macadamized the road from his
residence on Melvin Heights to Camden village at an expense to
554 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
him of some $10,000, which road he afterwards dedicated to the
pubUc use,
Megunticook Encampment, No. 11, I. 0. 0. F., was in-
stituted at Camden, June 15, 1905. The following are the first
officers installed : Reuel Robinson, C. P.; Charles G. Weaver,
H. P.; John F. Soper, S. W.; John T. Leach, Scribe; R. Frank
Ames, Treas.; E. H. Young, J. W.; G. W. Varney, G.; F. 0.
Clark, 1st W.; J. A. Brewster, 2d W.; John McKinney, 3d W.;
E. M, Curtis, 4th W.; E. F, Stahl, 1st G. of T.; R. E. Richards,
2d G. of T.; John Johnson, I. S. and Oscar Ford, 0. S.
Capt. Stanley Amsbury of Rockport, died Jan. 22, 1905, in
Shanghai, China, at the age of 36 years and 5 months. Capt.
Amsbury, himself a skilful and successful master mariner, came of a
family of skillful and successful sea captains. His grandfather,
Capt. Jabez A. Amsbury was born on North Fox Island (now
North Haven) in January, 1800 and followed the sea until 1840,
being master of many vessels hailing from Camden, Rockland and
other Penobscot Bay ports. In 1840 he moved to Camden, and
bought a farm at Goose River where he passed the remainder of
his life dying in 1845. At the time of his death he was engaged
in the collection of pensions for widows of Revolutionary soldiers.
He was a prominent Mason, having received the 33 degrees of
the Scottish Rite, He married Mary C. Thomas and their
children were, Thomas, Oliver, Winthrop, Helen, (who married
Capt. C. S. Packard), Horatio, Edwin, Sarah, (who married Capt.
Wm. Harrington), Jabez A., Jr., and Augusta, (who married
Clifford Jordan.) Several of these sons are among the most
successful and prominent sea captains of the past half century,
sailing the seas in command of some of the largest and finest
ships flying the Stars and Stripes. Capt. Stanley Amsbury was
the son of Capt. Jabez A., Jr. He was bom in Rockport,
Aug. 12, 1868, and Uke so many others of the family went to sea.
For a number of years he served as chief officer with his father,
and in 1894 became master of the bark, " Adolph Obrig" owned
CONWAY MEMORIAL SSS
by Carleton, Norwood & Co. in which he sailed with great success
until 1904, making long voyages to the far East. In 1904 he
was offered the position of Master of the "Acme" one of the
large steel ships of the Standard Oil Company, which offer he
accepted and had just taken charge of the vessel at the time of
his death. Capt. Amsbury married Frances C. Brastow.
Dr. Oliver Sherman died this year at Bermuda where he was
visiting, on Jan. 13. Dr. Sherman was the son of Ignatious
Sherman and was bom in Camden, June 9, 1837. He received
his medical education at the College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia,
from which he graduated in 18S8, at Harvard University and at
Bellevue College, New York, where he graduated in 1864. He
practised in Nashville, Tenn., St. Louis, Mo., and New York
City, until 1885 when the illness of his mother called him home.
He remained at home ministering to her needs until her death in
1893, after which his business interests and those of his family
kept him in Camden during the remainder of his life. He never
married.
Rockport lost a valuable citizen in the death of Rev. Thomas
E. Brastow, on Dec. 9, 1905. Mr. Brastow was born in Brewer,
Maine, Aug. 13, 1835, being 70 years of age at the time of his
death. He graduated from Williams College in the class of '61,
and from the Bangor Theological School in 1864. He was or-
dained to the gospel ministry, Oct. 11, 1865, and installed over
the church at Jackson and Brooks, Maine. He was later pastor
of the churches of his denomination at Sherman Mills and Orland,
Maine. On the death of his father-in-law, William Carleton,Jr., in
1876, Mr. Brastow came to Rockport and took Mr. Carleton's ice
business, later taking into partnership E. A. Morrill and W. A.
Merriam. Afterwards the company, previously known as Carle-
ton & Co., acquired the stock and business of the Rockport Ice
Company and carried on the business under the name of that
corporation, Mr. Brastow being Treasurer. In 1904 Mr. Brastow
sold his interest in the company and retired from active business
556 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
life. Mr. Brastow was an honored member of the Camden Congre-
gational Church and was for twenty-one consecutive years Superin-
tendent of its Sabbath School. He was a fluent speaker and ex-
cellent sermonizer and frequently supphed the pulpit of his own and
other churches. He was pre-eminently a good man of deep and
genuine piety. Mr. Brastow was not a politician but in 1879
and 1880 was the Republican candidate for Representative to the
Legislature. He also served as a member of the Rockport Super-
intending School Committee and in other positions. Mr. Brastow
was twice married, both of his wives being the accomplished
daughters of William Carleton, Jr. By his first wife, Frances E.
Carleton, he had one daughter, Frances C, (who married Stanley
Amsbury) and by his second wife, Sarah L. Carleton, he had one
son, William T.
1906. The annual town meeting at Camden was held
March 12, at which the same principal town officers were elected
as the year before.
The whole amount of tax assessed in Camden this year, was
$46,993.86.
In Rockport the annual meeting was held on March 26.
The principal officers elected were, W. F. Dillingham, Town
Clerk ; G. H. M. Barrett, R. T. Spear and A. B. Packard, Select-
men and Herbert C. Butler, Treasurer.
The whole amount of tax assessed in Rockport this year, was
126,520.53.
The Republicans re-nominated Gov. Cobb this year, the
Democrats, Mr. Davis, Prohibitionists, Mr. Woodbury and
the Socialists, Charles L. Fox, for Governor. The campaign pre-
ceding the election was one of the most interesting
in the state for many years. The Legislature of 1905, with
the purpose of enforcing the prohibitory law stringently and
uniformly in all parts of the state, had created an enforcement
commission, or as it is popularly known, "the Sturgis Com-
mission," from Senator H. H. Sturgis of Cumberland County, the
CONWAY MEMORIAL 557
author of the law, which is also known as the "Sturgis Law."
This commission, appointed by the governor, was given power to
appoint deputy commissioners in any part of the state where it
seemed to them that the local officers were remiss in enforcing
the prohibitory law, the duty of these deputies being to enforce
the law. This new departure naturally aroused a great deal of
feeling and antagonism among those who were opposed to the
rigid enforcement of the law, and a cry was raised throughout the
state demanding the repeal of the " Sturgis Law," and a re-sub-
mission to the people of the prohibitory amendment to the state
constitution. This, together with some other state issues, great-
ly encouraged the Democrats and led them to wage one of the
most aggressive and vigorous campaigns that the party had under-
taken in the state for many years. The Republicans, however,
were successful in the election of Governor, Congressmen and the
most of the important officers of the state, together with a safe
majority in both branches of the Legislature, but the majority in
the state was greatly reduced, Gov. Cobb's plurality over Mr.
Davis being less than 8,000. The Prohibitory party cast but few
votes in the state, its members mostly preferring to vote the
Republican ticket. Kqox County went more strongly Democratic
than usual, the Democrats electing their candidates for senator
and county officials by majorities ranging from SOD to 760.
Camden this year, for the first time since the division of the
old town, gave a Democratic majority at the state election. The
vote for governor was as follows : Cobb, 310 ; Davis, 391 ; Wood-
ward, 3 ; Fox, 24. J. H. Montgomery of Camden, Democrat,
was elected Representative in the Camden class, receiving 436
votes to 267 for Jethro D. Pease of Hope, Republican. J. Crosby
Hobbs of Camden was Democratic candidate for County Com-
. missioner and received in Camden, 457 votes to 248 for H. F.
Kalloch, of St.George,Republican, 18 for John F.Bennett ofRock-
port,Socialist and 2 for G. B. Thompson of Camden,Prohibitionist.
Wilder S. Irish of Camden, Independent candidate for Sheriff re-
SS8 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
ceived in Camden 58 votes.
Rockport continued Democratic giving Gov. Cobb 184 votes,
Mr. Davis, 220, Mr. Woodbury, 5 and Mr. Fox, 16. John F.
Bennett of Rockport was Socialist candidate for County Com-
missioner, receiving 17 votes in his own town. Clarence E.Paul
of Rockport, Democrat, was this year re-elected Register of
Deeds. In Rockport he received 219 votes and his opponent,
Frank B. Miller, 185. In the Rockport class, K. F. Marshall
and William M.Harris of St.George were again candidates for Rep-
resentative. This time Mr. Harris was elected.
The winter of 1906 was the mildest for many years. It was
succeeded, however, by a late, tempestuous and disagreeable
spring.
A most important and interesting event of this year, taking
place in Camden, was Conway Memorial Day, August 30, in
honor of the brave deed of William Conway, in refusing to haul
down the American flag at Pensacola in 1861. ^ Mr. Conway's
heroic act had to a great degree, become forgotten, and many of
the present generation did not even know that such a man had
lived. Capt. John 0. Johnson of Liberty, believing something
should be done to immortalize the deed, interested the Maine
Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion in the
matter of erecting a memorial with appropriate exercises, and the
Loyal Legion in turn interested the town and the national naval
authorities in the same, and the result was the unveiling of the
boulder and tablet in the presence of perhaps the largest com-
pany that ever assembled in town. At one o'clock, Wednesday,
Aug. 29, Admiral Robley D. Evans, anived with seven of the
largest battleships of the navy, viz : the Maine, (flagship), Missouri,
Kentucky, Kearsarge, Indiana, Iowa and Alabama, together with
the destroyers, Worden, Whipple, Lawrence, Truxton and
McDonough. These magnificent vessels were anchored just out-
side the island and ledges and were open for the inspection of the
1. See ante Chapter XL.
CONWAY MEMORIAL
SS9
public on Wednesday P. M., and Thursday A. M., and thousands
visited them. On Wednesday evening the fine band from the
Maine gave a concert in front of the Bay View Hotel and the
war ships gave an electrical display with their search lights. On
Thursday afternoon over ten thousand people witnessed the parade
and exercises, in honor of which the village was beautifully and
elaborately decorated. The parade, headed by Chief Marshal,
E,lm street, Camden, Decorated for Conway Day
F. D. Aldus and Aids, J. A. Brewster and Frank Pullen,
mounted, was made up as follows : Seven Companies of Blue-
jacketg with their Band ; Town tod Corporation Officers ; Gov.
Cobb and Staff ; Admiral Evans and Staff ; Admiral Davis and
Staff ; Other OfRcers of the Fleet ; Togus Band ; Members of the
Loyal Legion ; Members of the G. A. R. The literary exercises
560 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
which were of a most interesting character, were held at the Camden
Trotting Park at 1.45 P. M. in the presence of a large concourse
of people and were as follows : Address of Welcome by Thomas
A. Hunt, First Assessor of Camden Village Corporation ; Reading
of Letter from President Roosevelt ^ by Dr. Henry S. Burrage ;
Address by Gov. Cobb ; Address of the Day by Gen. Joshua L.
Chamberlain ; Address by Capt. John 0. Johnson. Following
these exercises was the unveiling of the boulder ^ on Elm street
1. President Roosevelt's letter :
The White House.
Washington. D. C.
Sib: — I wish it were in my power to be present at the time when the erection
of the Conway Memorial is to be celebrated. As this is not possible, will you let me
express, through you, my appreciation of the action taken in erecting this
memorial ? Conway stands as typical of the best among those admirable enlisted
men of the army and navy to whom this country can never pay too great a homage.
The fidelity and patriotism of the sailor, shown under the most trying and difiicult
circumstances when his commanding officers proved faithless, should be graven
on the hearts, not only of our people as a whole, but especially upon those of our
people who fill the regiments of our army and man the ships of our navy. I again
congratulate you upon thus coramemorating his sturdy loyalty.
Sincerely yours,
Theodore Roosevelt.
To Major Henry S. Burrage.
Togus, Maine.
2. Theboulderfumishedbythe town of Camden, weighs from 25 to 30 tons
and was hauled from near the cottage of Otto Kirschner on Ogier's hill, to the
school grounds by 60 horses. The tablet furnished by the Loyal Legion, is in-
scribed as follows:
WILLIAM CONWAY,
Quartermaster U. S. Navy.
A Native of Camden,
On Duty at Pensaoola Navy Yard,
, January 12, 1S61,
Was Ordered t« Haul Down the
American Flag
In Token of Surrender.
He Indignantly Refused.
Honoring His Sturdy Loyalty
The Town of Camden Erects This Boulder
To His Memory, and
The Maine Commandery of The
Military Order of The Loyal Legion
Of The United States
Adds This Tablet.
1906.
CONWAY MEMORIAL 561
school ground by Gen. John T. Richards, Commander of the
Maine Commandery of the Loyal Legion.
In October, 1906, the Penobscot Bay R. R. Company was
organized. This company proposes to build a steam railroad
from Rockland to Belfast. Whether the result will be more
fortunate than those of the many proposed roads of the past the
future alone can show.
In November of this year much excitement and apprehension
were aroused in Rockport and Camden by the escape of a Federal
convict by the name of Minot St Clair Francis, confined in the
State Prison at Thomaston. In the dusk of the evening of Nov.
12, while the prisoners were returning from the prison shops to
their cells, Francis is said to have left the line, and by an almost
impossible athletic feat, to have scaled the prison walls and dis-
appeared into the country. Francis was described as a mulatto
desperado, of remarkable physical and mental development and
probably heavily armed. The day after his escape he was seen in
the neighborhood of Simonton's Corner and shortly afterwards
appeared at different places in both Camden and Rockport. He
was supposed to be hidden in the thick woods on Beauchamp'
Point and for several days hundreds of citizens armed with guns
were assisting the prison authorities to capture him. On Satur-
day night he crept through the cordon of men surrounding him
and went to the house of Julia Conway helping himself to such
food as he wanted but did not attempt to injure the elderly in-
mates of the house. He then made his way into Waldo County,
closely pursued by the officers and their posse, which he eluded
for several days. By stealing two teams he succeeded in getting
beyond Bangor, driving boldly through that city in the early
morning. The weather had now become cold and snow had
fallen. The convict was in a poor physical condition from
exposure and injuries and further escape was impossible and on
Nov. 29, after seventeen days of freedom, the daring prisoner was
562 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
captured in a barn in the town of Glenburn and. returned to his
prison cell.
Camden Commandery, No. 23, Kniglits Templar, was con-
stituted June 22, 1906. The officers of the Commandery in-
stalled at that time were, L. M. Kenniston, E. C; Joseph F.
Shepherd, G.; E. E. Bo,ynton, C. G.; Reuel Robinson, S. W.;
J. T. Gould, J. W.;C. G. Weaver, P.; Geo. A. Tuttle, Treas.;
Geo. E. Allen, Recorder ; Geo. T. Hodgman, S. B.; Geo. S.
Clark, Sw. B.; Jos. A. Brewster, W.; D. W. Pierson, S.
The last secret organization to be instituted in Camden was
Knox Temple, No. 16, Pythian Sisters, on Dec. 7, 1906. The
officers installed are as follows: Grace Dyer, P. C; Katherine
Sobel, M. E. C; Luella Manchester, E. S.; Lettie Gregory,
E. J.; Belle Arnold, M.; Ruie Fuller, M. of R. & C; Ada Hall,
M. of F.; Cora Bishop, P.; Molhe Fuller, 0. G. ^
Several well known Camden citizens died during this year.
Among them we note the following :
Fred Lewis who died Jan, 11, in Boston, was bom in Belfast,
Maine, Sept. 10, 1835. He learned the jeweler's trade and
worked at it in Boston from 1857 to 1859 when he came to Cam-
den, where he carried on the business until 1903. Mr. Lewis
was one of Camden's best citizens. He was a member of St.
Thomas Parish in which he took great interest as he did in
Masonry, being Past Master of Amity Lodge and a Past High
Priest of Keystone Chapter. He was a Democrat in politics.
He held the office of Treasurer of the town for several years and
in 1876 was candidate for Representative. Mr. Lewis married
Georgiana Eaton. Their only daughter, Jessie F., married W.
C. Roberts.
Isaac B. Melvin, an old and much respected citizen of the
1. There have been various secret sooities organized in Camden andRookport
that have not been mentioned the most of which are not now in existence. Those
stiU existing are Megunticook Lodge, No. 67, A. O. U. W., and Joel Keyes Grant
Circle, No. 7, Ladies of the G. A. B., Camden, and Beauchamp Lodge, No. 163, N.
E. O. P., and Fred A. Norwood Relief Corp, No. 146, Rockport.
CONWAY MEMORIAL S63
town, died July 5, at the age of 86 years. Mr. Melvin owned
the farm purchased by Mr. Wm. A. French for a summer resi-
dence and from him that part of the town, now occupied by
prominent summer residents, was named " Melvin Heights."
Mr. Melvin married Harriet E., eldest daughter of Ezra Cobb, by
whom he had two children, a daughter who died in childhood and
a son, George C.
Lieut. Alden Miller, Jr., died July 28, 1906. Lieut. Miller
was the son of Capt. Alden Miller who was born in Warren* about
the year 1810. In 1849 Capt. Miller with his brothers John and
Joseph went to California where he remained five years, the last
two years acting as captain of a bark belonging to the California
Ice Company running from California to Sitka for ice. In 1864,
Capt. Miller was appointed Clerk in the Treasury Department and
resided in Washington for a number of years. He removed from
Warren to Camden in 1866 where he resided until his death, Sept.
19, 1888. Capt. Miller married Rebecca Wylhe by whom he
had six children one of whom died in infancy. The others were
Maria A., Alden, Jr., Irene C, (who married first, George W,
Smith and second, Edgar S. Start), Charles K., and Mary H.,(who
married Oscar Spear.) Alden Miller, Jr., the subject of this sketch
was bom in Warren, April 2, 1832. In 1862 he enlisted in the
20th Regiment of Maine Volunteers, as a private. In May, 1863,
he was appointed Sergeant Major and on July 24,1864 was elevat-
ed to the rank of First Lieutenant of Co. G.,of the 20th Regiment.
He was wounded at the battle of Peeble's Farm, Sept. 30, 1864,
but continued in the service until the end of the war when he
was honorably discharged. Immediately after the war he came to
Camden to reside. In Camden he held many town offices, being
several times First Selectman of both the old and new town of
Camden, town Treasurer, etc. He served as Postmaster of Cam-
den from 1876 to 1883. Lieut. Miller was an honest, industrious
and capable man. He was a brave soldier, competent officer and
patriotic citizen, a kind husband and parent and obliging friend.
564 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
In politics he was always an uncompromising Republican. Lieut.
Miller married Caroline, daughter of Jeremiah C. Gushing and
they were the parents of the following children : Sarah C, Mina
C, (who mairied Lloyd E. Chamberlain), Edwin D., Charles A.,
Margaret E., (who married Hudson D. Ames), Maurice M., Grace
N., and Florence A., (who married Elmer H. Fletcher.)
Joseph W. Ogier, died Aug. 19, at the age of over 83 years.
Mr. Ogier was a native of Camden and was born, March 23, 1823.
He was the son of Abraham Ogier (2d) and the great grandson
of Abraham Ogier the early settler. Mr. Ogier occupied the old
ancestral farm on Ogier's hill until 1888 when he sold^ it. His
whole life, good, simple, honorable and unostentatious, was passed
in his native town. His mind was stored with incidents and
events of Camden history of the past seventy-five years. He was
a worthy descendent of the noble Huguenot race from which he
sprang. Mr. Ogier was not an ofHce seeker, but his neighbors
demonstrated the confidence which they had in his integrity by
electing him the first Assessor of the town after the
division. Mr. Ogier was twice married, his first wife being Susan
E. Rollins. The children of this union are "Edward R., Rev.
Walter W., and Susie, (who married Dr. Walter F. Bisbee.)
For his second wife he married Abbie Ward Rollins and the one
child of this marriage is Jesse H., now Editor of the Camden
Herald.
(jkpt. Dudley S. Martin died Sept. 15, at the hospital in
Boston, at the age of 55 years. Capt. Martin was born in St.
George, Maine, June 30, 1851. He was the son of Capt. Richard
and Mary (Ogier) Martin. Capt. Martin was educated at the
Farmington Normal School, but early entered upon his career as
a sailor. At the age of 22 he was master of the schooner, Abbie
Dunn. After a most successful career upon the sea he retired
in 1889, and later built his fine residence on High street, where
he passed the remainder of his life. He continued to interest
himself in maritime affairs and acted as managing owner of several
CONWAY MEMORIAL 565
vessels. Capt. Martin was a brave, unassuming, genial and
hospitable gentleman, and possessed the respect of all his fellow-
townsmen by whom he had often been urged in vain, to accept
public office. Capt. Martin was a member of Amity Lodge and
Keystone Chapter and of the Camden Business Men's Association
of which he was at one time President. He married Helen L.
Thomdike and their children are George D., and Fred.
William Howard Gardiner, died Nov. 25. Mr. Gardiner was
born in Boston, May 22, 1850. He belonged to a prominent
Boston family and was also distantly connected with the Gardiners
of Gardiner, Maine. He came to Camden first as a summer
visitor over twenty-five years ago. Later he purchased the land
on the shore of the harbor and built the cottage known as " Edge-
water." Something like twenty years ago he went abroad and
lived in France for some time, when he returned, and for seven-
teen years made Camden his permanent home. Mr. Gardiner
was a prominent figure in local affairs and interested himself in
both municipal and political matters. He was a born agitator
and natural litigant and usually had some agitation or law suit of
a public, political, religious or private nature, in progress in which,
being a man of leisure, he interested himself, always in an aggres-
sive and disputatious manner. He always was very much in
evidence at all town meetings and whenever Camden was inter-
ested in any question before the State Legislature he became a
familiar figure in the lobby of the Capitol. Among, the Camden
legislative contests in which he interested himself may be men-
tioned the fight for division, the fight against the " OperaHouse,"
the "water fight" and the opposition to granting the city charter.
For the past few years Mr. Gardiner has spent his summers in
Dresden, Maine, where he was Warden of the Episcopal Church
in which arose the trouble, growing out of which were the various
law suits that he has been prosecuting against Bishop Codman of
the Maine diocese. Mr. Gardiner first married Helena C. Baird
of Philadelphia by whom he had three sons, William Howard, Jr.,
S66 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
John Pennington and Edward Carey. For a second wife, he
married Letitia L. Butler, a native of Great Britian.
Rockport lost one of its best loved citizens on Feb. 7, 1906,
in the death of Charles F. Richards, at the age of 80 years. Mr.
Richards was the son of Charles and Elizabeth (Smith) Richards,
and was born in Sharon, Mass., Jan. 6, 1826. When he was three
years of age his parents removed to Lincolnville, Maine. Young
Richards fitted for college at the Classical Institute Waterville,
and graduated from Waterville (now Colby) College in the class of
'55. He then taught school in difierent places including the High
School at Rockport village. He went to California in 1862 and
taught school on the Pacific coast until 1865 when he returned
to Rockport and went into business as a member of the firm of
Talbot,Cole &Richards, doing a mercantile and ice business. At the
organization of the Camden Savings Bank in November, 1870, he
was chosen its .Treasurer which position he held until his death.
Early in life Mr. Richards identified himself with the Baptist
Church and worked zealously for its interests for half a century.
He was for a long time a deacon of the Rockport Church, its
Treasurer, the Superintendent of the Sunday School and always
its strong supporter. He was also actively interested in the Rock-
port Y. M. C. A., and was its Treasurer. He was a Trustee of
Colby College at the time of his death. In politics Mr. Richards
was always a loyal Republican. He was active in town affairs and
served as Selectman, School Committee and in other capacities.
Mr. Richards married Lucinda Morse who survives him. He ii
also survived by a daughter, Annie M., (who married first Herbert
Magune, and second A. C. Moore), and a brother, Hon. Fred E.
Richards of Portland, President of the Union Mutual Life In-
surance Company. Devoted to his home and church, loved by
his neighbors and friends and faithful to every trust, Mr. Richards
will long be remembered with respect and affection by the people
of Rockport and Camden.
Dr. Albert F. Piper of Rockport, who died June 21, 1906,
CONWAY MEMORIAL 567
at the age of 54 years and 10 months, was the son of John Piper
and was born in Camden, August 2, 1851. In early life he
worked in the shipyards of his native village (Rockport) for a
time and then entered upon the study of medicine in the office
of Dr. Hosea B. Eaton. After remaining there one year he
entered the New York Homoeopathic Medical College from which
institution he graduated in 1?75. He then settled in Thomaston,
Maine, where he had a large and lucrative practise until about the
year 1888, when his health breaking down he was obliged to give
up his practise. At that time he came to Rockport where he
passed the remainder of his life. After spending several years
in regaining his health, he believed he had sufficiently recovered
his strength to be able to go to work again, and went to New
York where he spent some time in the study of diseases of the
eye and ear. He then returned home and entered upon the
practise of that special line, in which he was eminently successful,
having a good practise and keeping at work almost up to the day
of his death. Dr. Piper was a Republican in politics, was a mem-
ber of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the Camden Congre-
gational Church, and a gentleman highly respected by all. He
married Martha V., daughter of Dr. Hosea B. Eaton, by whom he
had three daughters : Carrie, (who married William T. Brastow),
Susie and May, (who married E. H. Webling. )
568 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER LXIir.
ECCLESIASTICAL.
The history of a community, especially a New England
community, is never complete without some account of what its
churches have accomplished. The early history of Camden seems
to indicate that there was but little religious zeal and fervor among
the pioneers. Their piety and interest in ecclesiastical affairs
were not sufficient to cause them even to comply all of the time
with the law requiring towns to appropriate money for the support
of gospel preaching, or it may be that the mandatory character of
that law offended the independent spirit of our hardy forefathers.
In any event there was very little preaching and no church
organization in town during its plantation history and for several
years after its incorporation as a town. It is wrong, however, to
assume that there were no Christian people here in those early
days for there were professors of religion among our early in-
habitants and they formed the nucleus around which grew the
churches and religious societies that have done so much for the wel-
fare and uplifting of our people during the more than a century
that has passed since they began to be organized and during which
time Camden and Rockport have become as strongly and devoted-
ly reUgious as any of their sister New England towns. At the
present time there are in Camden five church edifices and in
Rockport four, together with two chapels of other denominations
in which reUgious services are held, and there are now even more
ECCLESIASTICAL 569
religious societies than church buildings in the two towns.
Free Will Baptist.
In point of time, the Free Will Baptist Church comes first.
It was organized at West Camden. The first minister of that
persuasion who preached in town is said to be Elder John Whitney,
in 1797. During the following year, 1798, a church was organized
with seventeen members, among them being Waterman Hewett,
John May, Josiah Keen, Nathaniel Simmons, Elijah Bradford and
Henry Oxton. ^ In 181S, the society built a house of worship on
land of Deacon Waterman Hewett, whif.h was used until 1851,
when it was replaced by the present meeting-house at Rockville
built on Capt. Abner Perry's land. We are unable to mention
the early preachers who occupied the pulpit of this church. We
find that Elder Small was the preacher of the denomination here
in the middle of the 19th century and that he was succeeded by
Rev. Jonas Marriner in 1851, who remained here until 1857, when
Rev. Jos. Cilley became the pastor. He remained with the
charge until 1859 and was succeeded by Rev. J. D. Couilard
who remained five years. After a short period without a pastor
the church called Rev. John Hamilton who remained until 1869.
From 1869 to 1876 the church was without a settled pastor when
Rev. Freeman Cooper was called. He remained until 1881,
during which time there was a strong religious awakening in that
part of the town increasing the church membership by some
twenty conversions. Next came Rev. E. G. Eastman under
whose ministry the work went on, four more joining the church.
Mr. Eastrrian left in 1883, and was followed by Rev. G. S. Hill
who after five years of labor with the church was succeeded in
1890, for one year, by Rev. H. W. Abbott. A year passed with-
out a pastor, when in 1893, Rev. John Pettingill was installed.
He only remained about one year, which was a profitable one for
the church. Rev. Uriah Drew came in 1896 and remained until
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 193.
570 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
1900. This was another period of awakening, 12 uniting with the
church. Rev. Humphrey Small and Rev. E. A. Bradbury followed,
each remaining 18 months, and in 1904 Rev. Wm. P. Richardson,
the present pastor, was installed. The church is today in an
excellent condition having a strong membership for the size of the
village of Rockville, 54 at the present time.
Congregational.
The history of the First Congregational Church for the first
ten or fifteen years of its existence is closely interwoven with the
history of the town for that period, for the reason that the first
" settled minister" employed by the town. Rev. Thomas Cochran,
was the first pastor of the church which was organized on his
coming, September 11, 1805.^ As we have seen, Mr. Cochran's
pastorate did not prove to be an altogether happy one and after
his dismissal the church was without a settled pastor until 1828,
the pulpit being supplied in the meantime as often as possible.
Among the preachers supplying the pulpit during this period were
Revs. Matthew Sewell, Ingraham, Starrett, Norwood, Sheldon,
Howe, Campbell and Bishop. The town having withdrawn its
financial support the church received some aid from the Maine
Missionary Society. In June, 1828, the church called its second
pastor, Rev. Darwin Adams,' and the following year a
revival in town resulted in the addition of 20 to
the church membership. In 1833, five years from the date of
his ordination, Mr. Adams tendered his resignation and was
dismissed and from that time for more than a year, the church
1. See ante Chapter XVII ; also Chapter XXVI. Of the ten original members
of this church, five were women, and while the lives of the five men have been
portrayed in this history little has been said of the women. It may be interesting
therefore to note that Elizabeth Hosmer was the mother of Nathaniel Hosmer.
She and her husband talso named Kathaniel) came to Camden and passed their
last days near their son. Bathsheba Thorndike was the wife of Paul Thomdike,
. Lucy Eaton was the mle of William Eaton, Lucy Blodgett was the wife of David
Blodgett and Mary Keyes was the wife of Solomon Keyes and daughter of Daniel
Mansfield.
ECCLESIASTICAL
S71
was without preaching, except for three Sabbaths, but weekly
religious services were held and the monthly conference meetings.
During this time — in 1834 — the present house of worship was
built at a cost of $5,000 and the same was dedicated in January,
183S, the meetings having been held prior to that time in the old
Congregational Ch-urch, Camden
meeting-house on the Elm street hill. The same month Rev.
Nathaniel Chapman was called by the church and was installed
as its pastor in August following, and during the first year of his
ministry the church and society purchased for a parsonage, the
572 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
house on Elm street now the home of Mr. E. L. Simonton.
The year 1836, marks a memorable epoch in the history of the
church, for. in that year a great revival broke out which resulted
in large accessions to the church, nearly doubling its membership.
During Mr. Chapman's pastorate of 14 years, 115 united with
the church. In April, 1849, he was dismissed, "honored by all
who knew him begt." Rev. Benjamin C. Chase a graduate of
Dartmouth College and Bangor Theological Seminary, succeeded
Mr. Chapman, being called in September, 1849, and ordained in
January, 1850. " His labors were acceptable and his success as
a pastor of the most successful kind." As the fruit of an inter-
esting revival in the spring of 1850, some 16 persons were added
to the membership of the church during the first year of his
pastorate. In 1852 the old vestry was dedicated. It became
the church property chiefly through the munificence of Deacon
Samuel G. Adams and Mr. Joseph Jones. It was during this
pastorate that the church celebrated its semi-centennial anniversary
in 1855. In his address on that occasion, Mr. Chase said that
the whole number that had united with the church during its SO
years of existence was 268 ; the whole number who had died and
been dismissed was ISO; the membership in 18SS was 118. In
1857, Mr. Chase resigned his pastorate to accept a call to
Attleboro, Mass., and the same year the church called Rev.
Franklin P. Chapin, a graduate of Amherst College and Bangor
Theological Seminary, who was ordained Nov. 11, 1857, and he
continued as its able and successful pastor for ten years. There
was a revival in 1858, from which the church membership was
materially enlarged. Another strong revival during the latter
part of Mr. Chapin' s pastorate also greatly, increased the
church membership. For two years following Mr. Chapin's de-
parture in 1867, the church was again without a settled pastor,
the pulpit being supplied, and in 1869, Rev. Harrison A. Shorey
was called. He was also a graduate of the Bangor Seminary
and served the church for four years, leaving in 1873. It was
ECCLESIASTICAL 573
during this pastorate that the church was remodelled, the old
parsonage was sold and the present one on Free street purchased.
Mr. Shorey was succeeded by the Rev. EbenezerBean, a graduate
of Bowdoin and Bangor, in 1873. He had a short but successful
pastorate of two years, leaving in 1875. After being several
months without a pastor the church called Rev. Wellington R.
Cross in 1876, who served ably as preacher and pastor for seven
years. Mr. Cross was also a graduate of Bowdoin and Bangor.
He was a finished and scholarly writer and able speaker and is
well remembered by our people. He left in 1883 and in 1890
married Ruble A., daughter ot Amasa B. Gould of Camden.
He died suddenly at Foxcroft, where he was then preaching,'Sept.
20, 1891. From 1883 to 1884 the pulpit was supplied. In the
latter year the church gave a call to Rev. Amory H. Tyler, who
was educated at Dover Academy and Bangor Theological Seminary.
He remained with the church as its pastor until 1889, when, after
a few months, the present pastor. Rev. Lewis D. Evans was called,
and began his labors with the church in November of that year.
Mr. Evans is a native of Wales and came to this country when a
young man. He received ,his education here at the Western
Reserve, Hudson, Ohio and Bangor Seminary, and his seventeen
years of pastorate (the longest of any in the history of the
church) have been fruitful ones for the welfare and prosperity of
the church and for the beneficial influence exerted by the church
in the community. Mr. Evans is an eloquent and popular speak-
er, a faithful and hard working pastor, and a valuable and well
loved citizen. During his pastorate 121 new members have been
added to the church. During this pastorate the church edifice
has been improved, the old chapel sold and a new one, completed
in the fall of 1906, has been erected at an expense of about |6,-
000. In 1903, the First Congregational Parish was incorporated,
with Joshua Adams, President, Reuel Robinson, Vice President,
C. M. Barstow, Treasurer and L. W. Hart, Clerk. This corpora-
tion has taken over and now owns the property of the church and
574 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
society except the meeting-house, which is owned by the pew
holders. On Sept. 10, 11 and 12, 1905, the church celebrated its
centennial with three days of appropriate and interesting exercises.
The historical address on this occassion was delivered by the
pastor, from which we learn that the whole number of persons who
had united with the church during its 100 years of existence was
575 ; that the Sabbath School, including the Home Department
and Cradle Roll, had a membership of 354, the church a member-
ship of 193, and that in all its departments the church is iii a
most prosperous condition.'^ On this occasion the following former
pastors were present : Rev* F. P. Chapin and Rev. Ebenezer
Bean. Rev. Daniel E. Adams, son of Rev. Darwin Adams,
the second pastor of the church was also present.
In 1854, a portion of the church was dismissed and with
others organized into the Rockport Congregational Church
at Rockport village. The organization was effected on June 12,
with 13 members. In December, 1854, the Congregational chapel
at Rockport was completed and the Rev. James B. Howard was
ordained pastor. The pastor shortly afterwards died and the next
minister was Rev. Alfred L. Skinner, who began a successful
pastorate, but at the end of 20 months was obliged to leave on
account of feeble health. He was succeeded by Rev. John E.
M. Wright, who was installed, Sept. 29, 1857, and who remained
with the society until February, 1864, when he was granted a
leave of absence for one year, he having accepted a chaplaincy in
the army. During his absence the pulpit was supplied by Rev.
T. E. Brastow and others. The pastor returned in the spring of
1865, and in the following June was dismissed on account of the
pecuniary inability of the church to support a pastor. The pulpit
was again supplied a part of the time until Nov. 7, 1866,
when Rev. A. J. Smith was ordained. From 1868 to
1884, the records of the church are a blank, but we learn that
1. For a more detaUed history of the church, see " Centennial First Congre-
gational Church" Page 27, Historical Address by Rev. L. D. Evans.
ECCLESIALTICAL 575
during the early part of that period the Rev. Mr. Davis was for a
time the settled pastor of the church, and that for a time in the
seventies, the Rev. Mr. McCloud also served the church in that
capacity. At other times the pulpit was supplied by students, and
both Mr. Bean and Mr. Cross, during their pastorates' at
Camden, preached at the Rockport church on Sunday afternoons.
This condition obtained until October, 1891, when Rev. R. J.
Naughton was ordained pastor, who was dismissed at his own re-
quest in 1892. In the summer of 1894, Rev. Edward M. Ken-
nison was ordained. He resigned in the spring of 1895, and the
following summer Rev. C. W. Fisher was called. He remained
until June, 1898, since which time the church has had no settled
pastor and hardly any preaching. In 1896 the church member-
ship was 39. At the present time it has been reduced to less
than 20.
Baptist.
The First Baptist Church was organized at West Camden in
1808. This church " was gathered by the occasional labors of
Elder Snow and Elder Jno. Still, and had in September, 25 mem-
bers. Elder Still soon became their stated minister, if not pastor,
and was with them until 1815. In 1816 the church was increased
and encouraged by a pleasant revival, but remaining destitute of
the stated ministry of the gospel, it became much enfeebled in a
few years by a loss of members. In 1824 this church hcensed N.
Copeland by whom they were assisted until 1828. Still they were
a small and inefficient church. In 1831, Elder A. Kalloch
rendered them important aid, and in 1832, Elder A. Bedel became
their pastor. He tarried but one year, leaving the church with-
out increase. In 1837 and '38 this church enjoyed some revival.
Elders Samuel Baker and S. N. Rice then labored with them.
This harvest season increased the number to 90 members.
Since that time the church has been in a tried, divided and un-
576 HISTORY OP CAMDEN AND ROCKPOET
happy state, principally the result of the inability of Mr. Baker."^
In 1843 the church numbered 72 members. In 1850 Rev. W.
0. Thomas was pastcxr; in 1852 Rev. Job Washburn. At that time
the membership was 46. In 1853 the house of worship at Ingra-
ham's Corner was erected. This is a '"Union" Church, but is
now used by this Baptist society. In 1858 the pastor was Rev. L.
M. Mayo. In May 1859, Rev. John Hemenway began preaching
for the church and was ordained Oct. 22, 1859. At this time
there was a large awakening and many joined the chur.ch by
baptism. The next minister was Rev. Alexander Copeland who
was called in 1862, and during the four years following, many new
members were admitted. On March 31, 1866, Rev. J. R.
Bowler became pastor. He was succeeded in 1869 by Rev. J,
Sanborn, at which time the church enjoyed one of the greatest
revivals in its history. Rev. R. A. Potter became pastor in 1870
and in 1873, there was another large revival. Rev. D. C. Bixby
was called in 1874, and in 1876 Rev. F. W. Ryder labored with
this church in connection with the Baptist Church at Rockport.
Much interest in religious matters was manifested at this period
and many new members were admitted to the church. In Feb-
ruary, 1878, Rev. Levi Copeland was ordained pastor, which
ordination was followed by another revival. In. 1879 Rev, W. H.
Hathorn was called but remained only a short time, the pulpit being
supplied from 1880 to 1882 by Rev. A. G. Hemingway. Rev.
G. A.' Chapman was ordained Aug. 20, 1882, and in 1883 there
was another revival in the church. The pulpit was supplied by
Albert Leach in 1886 and 1887, and on Jan. 20, 1888, Rev. A.
Snyder became pastor of this church and the one at South Hope.
A revival in April of that year, through the efiorts of the pastor
and the Evangeliest Rev. Mr. Noyes resulted in many conversions.
The next pastor was Rev, Uriah Drew, who began his labors in
1890. He was succeeded in 1894 by Rev. W. C. Wescott but
1. Joseph Millett's History of the Baptists of Maine, Page 285. Locke's
Sketches, Page 196.
ECCLESIASTICAL 577
returned again as pastoj in 1896. In March, 1900, Rev,
Humphrey Small began, his labors as pastor of this church also
serving the Rockville Church in the same capacity. In December,
1902, Rev. A. E. Bradford also began to serve both this and the
Rockville, Church, and during his pastorate there was another
large revival. Rev. David Webster was called in 1903. He
was much loved by his parishioners but passed to a higher
life on the following Easter night, " peacefully as one who falls
asleep." In November, 1904, the present pastor Rev. W. P.
Richardson was called. Like his immediate predecessors he
labored with both this and the Rockville _Church, Among those
who might be mentioned as strong supporters of this church was
Deacon Albert Tolman, who died Oct. 18, 190S, The resident
membership is 52, while the total paembership is 83 at the
present time.
The Second Baptist Church is located at Camden village. It
is npw known as the '^Chestnut Street Baptist Church." It was
" gathered soon aiter the First (in 1808) and by the same in-
strurnentality. It had, in September, 16 members, and thus
began with a smaller number than the First Church, and for a few
years its prosperity hardly encouraged exertion. But, aided by
occasional preaching, it maintained its existence till 1816, when,
like the First, it was increased by revival. It^ however,- gained
but a small advancement till within a few years. In 1827, Elder
N., Hopper became its first pastor, but continued only one year.
Now followed a series of sojournings for eight years, during which
they were made to drink of a mixed cup pf gopd and evil. The
Convention consideredtheir situation and- sent Elder H. Kendall
to them, who was successful in gathering together this scattered
flock and of introducing to their number 25 new members. En-
couraged by this success, the Convention in October, made an-
other appropriation, and Elder K's labors were continued. The
church, quickened by their prosperity, and animated to the work,
by the advice and successful effofts of Elder K. in collecting aid
578 HISTORY or CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
from abroad, set about building a house of worship in the village,
which was completed and opened in 1837. In 1838, Elder E.
Freeman commenced his labors with the church, and administered
to its prosperity till 1842, when he was succeeded by the valuable
efiorts of Elder A. Dunbar, oneyear."^ Prior to the building of the
church edifice the society held its meetings in private dwelling
and schoolhouses. It also held them in the hall of- Amity Lodge,
F. & A. M.^ This brings the history of the church down to 1843
when it had 112 members. This year Elder Daniel Baitlett acted
as pastor and after him Elder Geo. W. Stickney for a ti&e.
There was no regular preaching for several years until 1851, but
meetings were sustained on the Sabbath by the reading of sermons
and an occasional supply. In 1851, Elder David Perry was
ordained pastor and continued that relation until 1855 when the
membership numbered only 56. Elder L. M. Mayo then
preached for about one year, after which there was no" regular
preaching until 1864, bringing the church into a condition of
decline which was emphasized by a lack of harmony resulting from
a disagreement among some of its members. In 1864, Rev.
Nathaniel Butler became the settled pastor Of the church and re-
mained with it until 1868, excepting during the winter of 1864 -
65, which he spent in Washington, D. C, as private secretary of
Vice President Hamlin. In his absence the pulpit was supplied
by S. L. B. Chase, a student from Newton. Mr. Butler did much
to revive the dropping interest of the members and to increase
the church membership. In 1867-68 the church edifice was
rebuilt and enlarged and the name changed to " The Chestnut
Street Baptist Church" and on March 22, 1868, it was re-dedicated.
Rev. J. F. Eveleth occupied the pulpit of the church in 1869,
and Rev. E. F. Strickland from 1870 to 1872. Beginning in
1873 Rev. G. W. Bower was its pastor for some four years. Dur-
1. Com. of H. Bass, Esq., in Millet's History of the Baptist, Pages 285-86.
Locke's Sketches, Page 196.
2, Bobinson's History of Amity IiOi%e, No. 6, Cliapter VII,
ECCLESIASTICAL 579
ing this pastorate there was a Tevival resulting from the efiorts of
the pastor and W. S. DeWitt which materially added to the
church membership. In 1878, Mr. Bower was succeeded by
Rev. J. H. Cox who remained with the society until 1881, when
he was succeeded by Rev. C. M. G. Harwood whose labors con-
tinued for some three years. It was during this pastorate that
the present pipe organ was installed in the church. Rev. W. C.
Goucher was the next pastor and proved a most popular and
valuable one. He remained with the church until 1888, when
he left to accept a call to St. Stephen, N. B., where he is still
located. Rev. Fred M. Preble, D. D., then became the settled
pastor and remained here for some nine years. Dr. Preble is a
graduate of Colby and Newton, and is a most scholarly and able
man. He was popular with his parishioners and is one of the
strongest' pulpit orators ever settled over a Camden church. In
1898 he retired to accept the pastorate of the church in Auburn,
Maine, where he still remains, and was succeeded by Rev. W. E.
Lombard who remained the faithful and conscientious pastor of
the church until 1905. During his pastorare the church received
valuable accessions to its membership through an interesting
revival conducted by Messrs. Taylor and Hatch. After Mr.
Lombard left and accepted a pastorate in Andover, Mass., the
church after being a short time without a regular pastor, called
Rev. W. D. Plummer in April, 1906. Mr. Plummer at once
became very popular and was working hard for the prosperity of the
society when his sad death of appendicitis cut him ofi on Sept.
28, 1906, in the midst of his successful labors and to the grief of
his parishioners and all the people of the town. The church has
recently called Rev. S. E. Frohock of Concord, N. H. In 1887
the beautiful spire of the church was cut down, to the sorrow of all
who admire the graceful heavenward pointing finger of a New
England church. In 1896 the present fine parsonage on Belmont
avenue was built, principally from legacies left for that purpose by
Darius Sherman and Mary Thomas, widow of Rev. W. 0. Thomas,
580 HISTORY OS CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
a Baptist clerigyfifatt. In- 1903 -4 the church was again repaired
and. enlarged and the organ moved to its present position.
The society has b'6'en incorporated under the name of Chestnut
Street Baptist ChUrch Corporation which owns the church property
and conducts the business of tlie society.- The present" 'ttiember-'
ship of the church is 193. Sunday School, including Hotne'
Department and Cradle Roll, nuitibers 341, and the church in all
its departments, is exceedingly prosperous. '
The Third Baptist-Church was 'organized at 'Rock-port village,
May 18, 1842;and was composed mostly of mettibers dismissed from
the First Church. It started with a membership of- 12, which the
same year increased to 16, through the efforts of Elder.Daniel
McMaster. The two Original deacons were CapK Jacob Graffam
and Capt. Jabez A. Amsbury.: C. C. Long, an' Evangelist, was
ordained the day after the organization and conti'nued to ■ act' as
pastor for about two years. He was succeeded by "'Re^?. ' W. 0.
Thomas and he by Rev. James Williams. HolmeS: Chipman then
preached for a year and gave place to his predecessor, Mr.
Williams, who filled the church's pulpit until 1859. ^This pastor-
ate, although short was eminently successful, some 16 new
members being added. There had been interv&ls when the
church had no regular pastor and the pulpit at such times Was
suppUed by Elders V/ashburn. and Freeman. In 18S2 the church
had 61 members. The present house of worship of the society
was erected in 1854 at a cost .of $3,000, the' rneetings prior to
that time being held in the little red schoolhouse near where the
Hobok'en schoolhouse now stands. Following the departure of
Mr. Williams was a year of Supplies, when, 'in 1860, Rev. Asa
Perkins, a graduate of Newton, became the pastor. His pastorate
lasted three years, and during the time 119 were added to
the church membership. Then followed several short pastorates;
those of Rev. W. O. Thomas, Rev. Mr. EmerSon, R.ev. Mr. "Le-
roy and Rev. Mr. Holman. The short pastorates and Othet
causes greatly Weakened the church at this time. In 1872 Rev.
eccm:siasticai,.
581
Baptist CKurch, RopK-pOrt
S82 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
D. C. Bixby became the pastor. Mr. Bixby was an indefatigable
worker, and did much to build up the church. During the three
years of his pastorate, twenty-five new members joined the church,
the church building was repaired within and without,
the organ purchased and other improvements made, costing
in all some $1700. Six months after his resignation Rev. F. W.
Ryder, having completed his course at Newton was called to the
pastorate. He also had three years of successful labor, under
which 27 were added to the church membership. From
October, 1879 to August, 1881, the church again had to
depend upon having its pulpit supplied, there being no regular
pastor, but in August, 1881, Rev. C. M. G, Harwood of the
Camden village church, also became pastor of this churph. Dur-
ing Mr. Harwood's pastorate the church was remodelled, the
result being the present fine edifice, costing with furnishings,
$5,000. It was dedicated June 7, 1888, Mr. Harwood preaching
the dedicatory sermon. On July first, 1888, Rev. F. A. Snow,
who that year had graduated from Newton, became the
pastor. He served the church with great' success until
the spring of 1892, when he retired to accept a call to Park
Rapids, Minn. Sonpe 28 new members were added to
the church during his term of labor. Just before he left, in May,
1892, the semi-centennial of the church was celebrated at which
a fine history of the organization was read by Deacon Chas. F.
Richards. The next pastor was Rev. Henry B. Woods, who re-
mained with the church from 1892 to 1897, which time saw a
large increase in the church membership. In 1897, Rev. S. E.
Packard began his labors as pastor, but was dismissed in the fall
of 1900 to accept a position in the church at Johnson, Vermont,
and in the summer of 1901, Rev. Geo. S. Bennett of Newton
Theological School was ordained. Mr. Bennett was doing ex-
cellent work for the church when in 1903, he received a call to
the First Baptist Church in Detroit, Mich., and resigned. He
was followed by Rev. W. R. Bartlett, who after three years of
ECCLESIASTICAL 583
service resigned in July, 1906, leaving the church at the present
time without a pastor. The church is in an exceedingly heahhy
condition having a membership of about 100.
Universalist.
The First Umuersalisf Church was organized in 1824. Prior
to that time there had been preaching in Camden by ministers of
the denomination upon several occasions, the first being in 1806
by Rev. Samuel Baker. Rev. Sylvanus Cobb (afterwards Editor
of the Christian Freeman) is said to have preached here in 1815 -
16 and Rev. W. A. Drew (afterwards Editor of the Rural Intelli-
gencer) in 1821 - 24. The warrant for the formation of the society
was signed by Lemuel Dillingham, Lewis Ogier and 25 others.
Lot No. 54 which the " Twenty Associates" had donated to the
town, for the use of regular ordained ministers of the second
parish that should be formed, was still unclaimed (although
Baptist Churches had been organized, but not as corporate bodies
capable of transacting business.) The Universalist society
when incorporated by the Legislature also took the name
of " Second Parish" and became legally entitled to said Lot No.
54, the Congregational Church having obtained possession of the
first ministerial lot, No. 57. The society held its meetings in
Masonic hall. The early records do not contain the names of the
preachers employed from year to year. "The recollections of
some of the members say that Rev. James W. Hoskins was
employed about the year 1827 - 28, and the Rev. Messrs. Mc-
Farland and Farrar occasionally. The minister's board in the
year 1830, we find, amounted to $8."^ Although preaching by
regular pastors has been spasmodic, the society has regularly
met as a corporation to transact necessary business. March 13,
1843, the Legislature empowered the society to sell its ministerial
lot, which it did. On June 5, 1864, it was voted " that the funds
of this parish be appropriated towards building a meeting-house
1. Ijocke's Sketches, Page 199.
584 HISTORY OF' CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
in such a manner as not to conflict with the original grant of the
' 20 Associates'." This appears to have been done as the
church was begun the following year, the estimated cost to .be
$2200. It was completed,,in January, 1848, and the same month
Rev. N. C. Fletcher, preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev.
John L. Tuttle was'then employed as pastor, who remained two
years, and was succeeded by Rev. Francis W. Btoter who alter-
nated between Camden and Rockport villages, asdid his successor
Rev. LeanderHussey, who remained about two years. From 1853
there was no regular'preaching by ministers of the society at Gam-
den until 1879. In 1856 the meeting house was sold to the
Episcopalian society and the proceeds of the sale put at interest.
From this time, although the business organization of the society
was kept up, the annual meetings being regularly held, there was
no regular preaching for years, although "there was occasional
preaching by some minister of the denomination iii some hall
during the most of this time. In 1879, on Easter Sunday, Revj
Charles P. Nash preached his first sermon as pastor of the society
and remained with it for four and one half years. Mr- Nash
proved to be a fine speaker and an earnest and tireless worker and
under his ministrations the church began to flourish. During his
pastorate and largely through his efforts the new church' edifice
of the society was built on Ceiitral street at an expense of some
$2700. Mr. Nash retired in' 1883 and from that time to 1891
there was no regular pastor, when Rev. Clark L. Paddock was
called. He remained with the society two years. Since then the
society has been without regular preaching although as at other
times when the church has had n6 pastorjthere has been occasional
preaching by difierent ministers of the denomination, among thehi
being Rev. Fred L. Payson who at one time occupied the pulpit
for several months. Since June, 1899,' the dhurch has been
leased to the Christian Science society. The Parish is now a
small one, its membership' being much reducfed. -
The Second Uniuersalist Church was organized at Rockport in
ECCLESIASTICAL S8S
1843 and its early history is practically identical with that of the
church at Camden.^ In 1844 the society erected a meeting house
on one of the most comanding sites in the village " and after-
wards had alternately the same preaching as the , Camden church
Rev. Francis W. Baxter being the first preacher. The church was
dedicated in 1845 by Rev. N. C. Fletcher. The other early
preachers were Rev. Elbridge Willington, Rev. J. L. Tuttle and
Rev. M. Sawyer. In 1855 Rev. N. C. Fletcher supplied the
pulpit for about six months, after which there was no regular
preaching. The church building was leased to the Episcopalians
in 1867. It was sold to that society in 1869 and the church or-
ganization went out of existence.
Methodist.
We know of no records of the early Operations of the Metho-
dist denomination in Camden, and we are unable to give any
definite details of the early history of the organizatioris and preachr
ers of the persuasion. As has been' stated in a preceding chapter.
Rev. Joshua Hall preached here in 1801. "At this, time where
a Methodist itinerant preacher had to travel a six weeks circuit
of seventy miles, hib equipment was of the simplest kind. It
consisted of a horse,- on which was a pair of saddlebags, con-
taining a lighter apparel and books. Such was the appearance of
the ' circuit rider ' until this -territory was divided into charges
of snialler compass."^ It is said that Mr. Hall's circuit, when he
first visited this section in 1794, extended from. Union to Orono.
It is therefore no wonder that he did not' get to Camden until
1801. Daniel Barrett and his wife were the earliest members of
the church here. They joined the church in Lincolnville before
one was organized in Camden. From ISOl.to 1826,' the meet-
ings of the denomination were usually held in Mr. Barrett's house
and on the occasion of quarterly meetings which lasted several
1. liooke's Sketches, Page 200. ' '
2. Locie's Sketoftes, Pa'ger201. ; .
586 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
days, he used to throw open his house and entertain the people
coming from a distance with generous hospitality. Mr. Locke
givi s the following list of early preachers of this' persuasion, in
Camden : 1802, Joseph Baker and Daniel Ricker; 1803, Daniel
Ricker; 1804, David Stirason ; 1805, Samuel Hillman and Phiny
Brett ; 1806, S. Hillman and Jonas Weston ; 1807, Samuel
Baker ; 1808, John Williamson ; 1809, Benjamin .Tones ; 1810,
D. Stimson and George Gary ; 1811, Nathan B. Ashcraft; 1812,
Amasa Taylor; 1813, John Jewett; 1814, Jno. Cheney and
Joseph B. White ; 1815, Benjamin Jones; 1816, Daniel Went-
worth; 18l7, Wm. McGray and Jeremiah Marsh; 1818-19,
Henry True; 1820, Jno. Briggs ; 1821, Jno. Lewis; 1822,
Nathaniel Devereaux ; 1823-24, Sullivan Bray; 1825-26, D.
Stimson ; 1827, Ezra Kellogg. In 1828 Camden became em-
praced in the Thomaston circuit, it having been previously in a
circuit extending from Waldoboro to Belfast. After this we learn
that Phillip Munger, Ezekiel Robinson, James Warren, Jesse Stone,
E. Brackett and C. Kendall were among the preachers at this
place, the meetings being then held at Goose River in private
houses until the brick school house was built there when they
were held in that. They sometimes, however, held meetings at
the Harbor in private houses, at Masonic Hall and in the second
story of the olii brick building now belonging to the Anchor Works,
then a woolen factory, Mr. John Swan was a class leader and fcr
a long time he and his wife are said to have been almost the only
Methodists in Camden village. From 1828 to 1838 the society
was in a very feeble condition and had little preaching. In the
latter year some new members uniting with the society an effort
was made to have a stationed preacher at the Harbor and the
services of Rev. Charles Munger were procured. Later he had a
colleague, the Rev. Wm. McDonald, who preached at the River.
The society growing at the Harbor it was decided to build a house
of worship. " When Mr. Swan began alone in digging the cellar
and lajdng the foundation, there were but three male members at
ECCLESIASTICAL
587
Methodist CKurch, Camden.
588 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the Harbor village." The house was built on the corner of
Mechanic street, on the lot now owned by the Odd Fellows, by
Moses Young and completed in 1841 at a cost of $4,737.60.
The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. John Hobart. In
1844 it was given the name of- "Trinity Ghapel." Mr. -Locke
gives the following as a summary of the most interesting facts re-
lating to the affairs of the Camden and Rockport churches down
to the year 1858 : " For the most of the time the societies in the
two villages were united, and the statistics given embrace both
places. Preachers : 1840, Revs. C. Munger at the Harbor and
S. S. Cummings at the River; 1841, C. Munger; 1842, H. M.
Eaton ; members in society, 33 ; 1843 - 44 ; P; Jacques at the
Harbor and F. A. Bean at the River; 80 members; 1845, Jas.
Thurston; 36 members; 1846, A. Hatch ; 37 members; 1847,
the station was left to be supplied ; 1848, Camden was made a
mission and John C. Prince appointed here. He labored with
untiring zeal and succeeded in securing the erection of the Rock-
port church ; 54 members reported. 1849, Thos- B. Tupper.
Under his ministrations, assisted by B. M. Mitchell, an extensive
revival was enjoyed. He reports at the end of the year, 79
members in full and 100 on trial. 1850, T. B. Tupper at the
Harbor and E. A. Helmershanseii at the River;, they report 129
members in full and 65 on trial; 1851, P. Higgins at the Harbor
and R. Walker at the River; 1852 - 53, D. P. Thompson at both
villages, 122 members ; 1854, S. H. Beale at the Harbor, |76
members, and D. Dyer at the River ; 1855 - 56, S. Bray at the
Harbor, 76 members ; W. McK. Bray at the River, 48 mem-
bers ; 1857 - 58, N. Webb at the Harbor, 76 members and :32
on trial; -As G. -Godfrey and Lewis W^ntwerth -at -the -River, 73
members and 49 on trial."^ In 1852 the Camden Methodists
built a parsonage and in 1857 their bretheren at Rockport also
built a parsonage. May 20, 1857, the East Maine Conference
held its annual session in the Camden church.
1. Locke's Sketches, Page 203.
ECCLESIASTICAL S89
Camden. From 1859 the history of the Camden church is
in brief as follows : 1859, W. T. Jewfell was. given charge pf the
station ; 1860-61, W. L. Brown ; 1862, S. F. Chase ; . 1863; E.
F. H'inks ; 1864 - 65, True P. Adams ; 1866, B. B. Byrne ; 1867,
Camden was left to be supplied. Thei church was repaired .
1868-69, W. H. Crawford; 1870-71, L. L. Hanscom; 1872-
73 - 74, J. W. Day. During this pastorate there were many
additions to the church membership. 1875-76, B., S. Arey ;
1877 - 78, no pastor, the pulpit was supplied a portion of the
time by A. J. Clifford of the Rockport church ; 1879, A. Church ;
1880, Chas. E. Libby; 1881-82-83, B. C. Wentworth. This
was a prosperous pastorate. The church was removed from
Mechanic street to Washington street and thoroughly repaired at the
expense of some $3,000. It was then located just northerly of
where the " Camden- Block " now stands. 1884 - 85 - 86 - 87, J.
R. Clifford; in 1884 the East Maine Conference again met with
this church; 1888-89, J. D. Payson ; vestry building built just
northerly of church at cost of.$17n0 ; 1889 - 90, V. P. Wardwell;
1891-92-93-94, C. C. Phelan. During this pastorate, the
church and vestry were burned in the great fire of 1892. The
old " McGlathry " or " Clay House " on Mountain street, was
purchased by the society, the house sold and moved to Sea street
and the present fine new edifice erected at a cost, including lot,
of some $15,000, and dedicated. In October, 1894, Mr. Phelan
was transfered to the Maine Conference and J,. L. Hoyle succeed-
ed him ; 1895, G. G. Winslow ; 1896 - 97 - 98 - 99 - 1900, T. S.
Ross. During his pastorate the debt on the new church was fully
paid. 1900, W. W. Ogier; after three months service he was
transferred to Calais, Maine; 1900-1-2-3-4, G. M. Bailey.
During this pastorate the did parsonage on Mechanic street was
sold and the present one on Mountain street purchased. In 1905,
the present pastor, Rev. E. H. Boynton. took charge. Mr. Boyn-
tonhas served the full time lirnit.inallof hischargesyandwasforsix
years presiding Elder of the Baiigor District, He has had many
590 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
revivals and has been successful in building new churches, among
them being the beautiful stone church, costing $20,000, at
Brewer, Me., his last charge prior to his coming to Camden.
During his pastorate here he has won the respect and regard of
the people of the town, both within and without his church.
Much of the financial success of the church is due to the Ladi^ s'
Aid Society. The pipe organ in the new church and the piano
were purchased by the Epworth League. Today this church has
the finest edifice in the two towns and is in a prosperous
condition. Its membership is about 100, and its Sunday School
has 130 or more scholars.
Rockport. In 1859, Lewis Wentworth concluded his pastor-
ate at Rockport; 1860, Josiah Fletcher; 1861 -62, G. G. Wins-
low ; 1863, G. L. Williams and Samuel Fuller; 1864, Rufus
Day; 1865 - 66, C. B. Day; 1867-68, W. L. Brown; 1869,
Joseph King; 1870, L. L. Hanscome ; 1870-71-72-73-74,
C. E. Knowlton. During this pastorate there was a great religious
awakening in the town. This was one of the largest revivals ever
known in this section, hundreds being converted and scores join-
ing this church giving it a large and enthusiastic membership. The
old church building was purchased by David Talbot and made
into a tenement house and the new church was erected and
dedicated. 1875, B. L. Arey; 1877-78, A. J.Clifford. The
pipe organ was installed in the church during this pastorate.
1879-80, C. E. Libby; 1881 - 82- 83, W. F. Chase ; 1884-85-
86, C.L Mills; 1887 - 88, C. A. Main; 1889, supplied; 1890-
91, M. G. Prescott; 1892-93, W. W. Ogier. During this
pastorate the parsonage was extensively repaired. 1894-95, J.
L. Folsom. 1896-97-98-99, N. R. Pearson; 1900-1-2, J.
H. Gray; 1903-4, H. I. Holt; 1905, Chas. Smith, the present
pastor. Among the members of the church who have entered
the ministry might be mentioned Rev. G. R. Palmer of the
Maine Conference, Rev. J. P. Simonton and Rev. Lewis Pressey
of the East Maine Conference. The church has at the present
ECCLESIASTICAL 591
time a membership of 100 or more, a large Sunday School and is
in a flourishing condition.
Episcopal.
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church. The St. Thomas' Parish was
organized in Camden village, Oct. 1, 1855, with the following
officers ; Rev. George Slattery, Rector ; N. G. Bourne, Senior
Warden ; John Spaulding, Junior Warden ; Edward Gushing,
Aaron Brown, D. M. Hosmer, E. K. Smart, Paul Stevens, Jona-
than Huse, Joseph H. Jones, S. Hutchings, E. C. Daniels,
Vestrymen ; N. G. Bourne, Treasurer ; E. Gushing, Clerk. Im-
mediately afterwards the use of the meetinghouse of the Univer-
salist society was secured, and services were held in that house
and in April, 1856, the meetinghouse was purchased of the
Universalists for $2,000 and "consecrated to the worship of Al-
mighty God according to the discipline and usages of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States" on June 26,
1856, by Rt. Rev. George Burgess, D. D., Bishop of the Church
in the Diocese of Maine. The Rector had another charge at
Rockland and divided his time between the two places, officiat-
ing at Camden Sabbath forenoons and at Rockland afternoons.
Mr. Slattery resigned in 1860 at v^hich time the church had six
communicants. Rev. James Holwell Kidder, a deacon succeeded
him only to remain a few months, after which services were
held occasionally by Rev. Henry Howard of Rockland and Rev.
Mr. Murry, the rector at Dresden, Maine, until 1864, when the
Rev. James D. Reid accepted a call to the Parish and remained
its rector until 1867. He was a man of fine literary attainments
and an excellent preacher. Mr. Reid reported thirteen com-
municants in his last report to the convention of 1866. Rev.
D. F. Smith, D. D,, was the next rector. He took charge of
the Parish in 1868 and resigned the following year. The next
rector was the Rev. Benj. B. W. Atwell, D. D. Mr. Atwell re-
ported to the convention of 1870, "a debt of $800 liquidated,
593 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND- ROCKPORT
the congregation slowly but steadily^ increasing." During his
incumbency he opened a school at Rockport, but his departure
from the Diocese in 1873 closed the school. In the fall of 1875
the Rev. George M. Stanley was rector for a short time. The
next rector, Rev. Arthur H. Locke, was a deacon when he came
to the Parish, but was ordained priest while here, Nov. 1, 1878.
He had charge of the Parish ffom May 19, 1876, to 1879. At
the latter date the cominunicants had been reduced to Zl- The
Rev. A. D. Markel came next, being rector from 1880 to 1882,
and then for a period of two years the church remained' closed.
In 1884 the Rev. Henry Jones'; the present rector, accepted a
call to the Parish, which has been prosperous under his ministra-
tion, for the long period of 22 years. In addition to repairing
and refurnishing the church building during that period, the'merri-
bers have purchased a new pipe organ and built the .present fine
rectory on Eaton avenue, — both in 1902. The new rectory is
inferior to very few in the Diocese. Mr. Jones, during his long
residence in the town, has endeared himself to our people, who
hope he rflay long remain a citizen of Camden. On Sunday,
Oct. 1, 1905, the Parish celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its
organization in a most successful manner, the historical address
being delivered by the rector from which we learn that during the
fifty years' of the Parish's existence, 177 have been baptized, 65
confirmed, 71 couples united in holy matrimony, 155 buried, and
of these 92 Were baptized; 41 confirmed,' SO married and 121
buried during thi incumbency of the pifesent rector.^ The church
is now self-supporting and prosperous. " -
St. Marl<^s Mission; Rockport, was Organized Sept. 1, 1869,
principally through the instrumeniality of Rev. ' Wm. H. Wash-
burn, then a' lay-reader. The same year the church building,
which had been leased by the Episcopal people in 1867 of the
Second Universalist Church, was purfihasedof that society. The
biiilding was improved, the tower built and thei bell purchased
11. See Historical Address of Eev. Henry Jones.
ECCLESIASTICAL 593
the same year. The church was consecrated July 27, 1870. P.
J. Carleton was for many years warden of the church. There was
never any regular settled rector of the Mission, but services were
usually qonducted by the rector of St. Thomas' Parish of Camden.
The society was always small, and some twenty years ago preach-
ing there ceased, the Mission became extinct and its supporters
joined with the Camden church. . The church building has for a
long time been dismantled and is now used as a sail loft.
Adventists.
There are quite a number of Aduenfisfs in Camden and Rock-
port, but not enough to support regular preaching. A chapel
built about 1890 and owned by Benj. P. Paul^ on Paul's Hill,
Rockport, known as " Union Chapel," was to be used by the
people of this persuasion in this vicinity, but it was superceded
by the chapel at the foot of the hill on Commercial street. Rock-
port, where occasional services are still held, but no regular
preacher is employed.
Christian Science.
A society known as the Christian Science Society of Camden,
was organized Nov. 6, 1896, with seven members. They met
each week in the front room over the Camden National Bank
until Feb. 10, 1898, when they went into more .convenient
quartersin the "French" now "Camden" Block. They held
their first Sunday service on Easter Sunday, 1899, and in June of
the same year, the attendance had so increased that the Univer-
1 Mr. Paul was bom in Camden, March 15, 1825, and died in Bookport,
October 6 1896. He was one of the best known men of this section. In early
manhood he chose the trade of contractor and building mover, which, with farm-
ing he carried on all his life. He married C. Augusta Upham in 1849, by whom
he had seven children, viz.: Frances, (who married Joseph Olough) Arabella,
Josephine, (who married WiUard WaU) Jessie, (who married George Sprowl)
Beni.H. Leander M. and William A. Mr. Paul was a kind friend and neighbor
and a man of great originality. He was a Baptist in religious belief, but inde-
pendent and built the Union Chapel with the intention of having It used by all
denominations.
594 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
salist church was leased, in which the society has since held its
services. On Dec. 23, 1896, the society was organized as a
corporation, known as First Church of Christ, Scientist, in
Camden, Maine, a branch of the church in Boston, Mass. The
incorporators were, Henry L. Upton, Margaret S. Conant, Ruth
A. Ordway, Viola C. Bucklin and Leila M. Bucklin, and the cor-
poration started with sixteen members. On May 7, 1900, the
society opened a free public reading room in the Curtis Block,
which was later removed to the Burd Block, where it is still locat-
ed. This society gives one public lecture each year. Its pres-
ent membership is something over twenty.
Roman Catholic.
Until within recent years there have been very few Roman
Catholics in Camden and Rockport. During the past ten years,
however, they have been gradually increasing, particularly in
Camden, until at the present time the town contains quite a good-
ly number of members of this persuasion. In the summer this
number is largely increased, and for the past four years, Roman
Catholic services have been held in some of the small halls in
Camden village during the summer season and during the sum-
mer of 1906 in the Opera House, Rev. Fr. R. W. Phelan and
his curate of Rockland, ofHciating. The Catholic membership in
Camden has now become so strong that a lot has been procured
and a fund is being accumulated for a church edifice, which will
probably be built in the near future.
EDUCATIONAL. 5 95
CHAPTER LXIV.
Educational.
But little is known of the schools of Camden's earliest period.
Among the first settlers there were practically no schools, an
education not being considered essential as an aid in clearing the
forests, tiUing the land and hunting wild beasts. Besides the
people were poor and it was impracticable to employ teachers to
instruct the youth of this remote, sparsely settled and widely
scattered pioneer community. What training the children of that
day received was mostly obtained at home and consisted of the
simplest rudiments of an education. There were some educated
people among the early settlers and later many others arrived from
New Hampshire and Massachusetts, when school privileges be-
came somewhat better, while those who were able sent their
children back to their former homes, to go to school. After the
incorporation of the town nothing seems to have been done in the
way of instituting public schools until about the year 1794, when
the first school-house in town was built at the Harbor and Mr.
Asa Hosmer was employed as the first schoolmaster.^ The next
year the " Twenty Associates " granted to the town the " school
lot," No. 58, and in 1796 the sum of $130 was appropriated by
the town for the support of schools. From that time the town
continued to appropriate small amounts for school purposes until
1802, when it raised the sum of 1800. The same year the town
1. See ante, Page 98.
596
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND EOCKPORT
adopted the " District System " and as the population increased
school-houses were built in other localities and the scholars of the
town had the privilege of two terms of scliool per year, one in the
summer and one in the winter, where reading, spelling, arithmetic,
geography and some grammar were the principal branches taught.
When Maine was admitted to the Union in 1820, the town was btill
raising $800 for schools. In 1850 the appropriation had reached
$1530. In 1891, after the division, Camden raised $2,000, ana
Camden High Sclnool
Rockport $2200 for common schools. In 1906, Camden's appro-
priation for schools, including High School and text books was
$6300, while ior the same purposes Rockport raised $4650,
aggregating $10,950, for the two towjis.
About the year 1820, the large " yellow, school-house " was
built at the Harbor and did good service for forty years. It was
a wooden building of two stories, surmounted by a belfry con-
EDUCATIONAL
597
taining a bell. It contained two school rooms. This building
was located on the site of the present grammar school building on
Elm street. In 1852-53, the -brick school-house on Mountain
street, was built. It took, the place of a little old fashioned one
story brick, " district schoolrhouse," with a quaint little porch
appended for an entry, which was demolished and the brick in it
used in the building of 'the, new house, which was then considered
the finest school building in the town. It had green blinds,
RocKport tiigti. School
black walnut desks mounted on iron pedestals, something before
unknown, and the people were so pleased with the building that
they voted at their school meeting, not to admit scholars from
outside districts. In 1855, however, this vote was rescinded and
Mr. George W. Simonton began a series of select schools, pupils
coming from all parts of the town and from Hope and Lincolnville,
requiring assistant teachers to help carry on the schools- These
schools were continued by Mr. Simonton until 1859, when he left
598 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
for California where he resided for the remainder of his life dying
in Los Angelos in 1905. Mr. Simonton was an exceeding popular
and able teacher and his departure was greatly regretted. He
continued his interest in educational matters in his new home and
became one of the ablest and best known educators on the Pacific
coast.
In 1860, the old "yellow school-house " was sold and
moved to Mechanic street for a block-mill and later burned. A
new school-house was erected on the old site, in the second story
of which was a hall, known as the " School-house Hall " which
was the principal hall in the village and was used for all sorts of
entertainments and meetings. This house was burned in 1868.
It was supposed that the fire was of an incendiary origin. The
following year the present grammar school building was com-
pleted which was known as the " High School" until the erection
of the present High School building.
The schools in Camden village were graded in May, 1862,
the two village districts being united in one known as the
" Megunticook District " which was regularly incorporated by the
Legislature in 1874. '^ Shortly after the schools were graded a
regular curriculum was adopted for all the village schools with
three terms per year. In 1904, the town recognized the necessity
of providing more and better conveniences for the instruction of
its youth and voted to build the present fine High School building.
An excellent lot of four and one-half acres on Knowlton street
and running back to the river was purchased, and the building
which is of wood, was completed in the fall of 1904, at a cost,
including the lot, of about $20,000. The architects were Thomas
& Crowell of Bangor and the builder, W. E. Schwartz of Camden.
This building in architectural beauty, heating and ventilating plant,
school rooms, recitation rooms, chemical laboratory, and all modern
school conveniences is surpassed by but few in the state.
At the time of the grading of the schools in 1862, Mr. Cal-
1. Acts and Eesolves of 1874. Private and Special Laws, Chapter 53.
EDUCATIONAL 599
vin Bickford was employed as Principal of the High School.
From that time to the present, the Camden High School has been
presided over by the following Principals, viz.: Alonzo Towle,
Russell Woodman, J. B. Stetson, John Harkness, A. A. Fletcher,
Calesta C. Header, John E. Clark, J. H. Montgomery, Clarence
Barker, A. M. Burton, Charles Lament, Galen Tribou, W. P.
Foster, Reuel Robinson, W. B. Cutts, H. 0. Dorr, E. F. Heath,
F. S. Libbey, Eli Edgecomb, C. B. Allen, E. S. Lovejoy and
Fred C. Mitchell.
At the present time Camden offers facilities for education,
second to no city or town in the state. In 190S, the High
School was placed upon the approved list of fitting schools for New
England colleges, allowing its students to enter these colleges
on certificate without examination and under the efficient manage-
ment of Prof. Mitchell it is ranked by the Maine colleges as one
of the first among the , best college preparatory schools in the
state.
Rockport village has had an educational history very similar
to that of Camden. The first school-house stood on Main street
and it was succeeded by a brick house located on Main street not
far from where Mr. H. G. Tibbetts now lives. The old High
School building which was a square structure of two stories with a
belfry and bell was built in 1858, and what is known as the
" Hoboken" school-house in the southerly part of the village was
built just prior to the civil war. This is also a building of two
stories with a belfry containing a bell. Prior to the building
of this house there had been a little red school-house on the
same lot. Following the example of its sister village, Rockport
united the two village districts and incorporated the Rockport
School Corporation by an act of the Legislature in 1881.^ Rock-
port recognized earlier than Camden the necessity of better school
facilities and in 1892, erected the present High School building
at an expense of some $10,000. It consists of the old building
1. Acts and Resolves of 1881. Private and Special Laws, Chapter 621.
600 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
greatly enlarged and rebuilt, making a handsome, large and
modern school-building, which well meets the requirements of the
present day. It is surmounted by a belfry which contains the
town clock. At about the same tirne Rockport fully graded its
village schools. At the time of the grading of the Rockport
schools, Charles J. R.oss was employed as Principal of the High
School and hi» successors have been, C. C. Brackett, G. L. Mil-
diam, R. N. Millett, H. I,- Withee and Carleton Steward. Few
towns offer better educational facilities than Rockport at the
present time.
Neither Carnden nor Rockport has been the seat of any
institution of .learning outside of its public schools except an
academy which existed in the , old town for about one year,
in 1851-52, and an occasional private school. Nevertheless both
places can boast of many fine scholars whom they have sent out
to. make their marks in the educational and professional world.
INDUSTRIAL 601
CHAPTER LXV.
INDUSTRIAL.
During the one hundred and twenty odd years that have elapsed
since the close of the Revolution, Camden (including the present
town of Rockport) has, a greater portion of the time, been ex-
ceedingly prosperous in an industrial sense. Its industries have
been many and varied as might well be the case from its favorable
situation. Seated by the sea with two excellent harbors, it could
profitably engage in commerce, fishing and shipbuilding. Con-
taining beneath its surface an apparently inexhaustible supply
of the best calcareous rock, it has been able to successfully en-
gage in the manufacture of lime. Possessing a wonderful little
river, that contains many mill privileges in its three miles of
length from its almost never failing source to the bay, it has re-
markable facilities for manufactories of all kinds. Its pure lakes
furnish the best of ice for the market. Surrounded by a pros-
perous country, its villages have always been busy centres of trade.
Of the many industries of the two towns we shall be able to men-
tion specifically, only a few of the most important.
Ship-building.
Ship-building was one of the earliest, and has always been
one of the most important industries of Camden and Rockport.
Just when the first vessel that could be dignified with the name
" ship " was built here, we are unable to ascertain. Doubtless
602 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
sailboats, fishing crafts and other small vessels were built in town
by the earliest settlers. Probably the earhest actual " shipbuilder"
in town was Capt. William McGlathry. Rev. Paul Coffin in his
journal under date of Aug. 15, 1796, says, "One ship, and a
schooner have this year been launched here and six or seven
heavy vessels are on the stocks."^ What in those days would be
designated as " heavy vessels " would now, however, be rather
insignificant crafts. Capt. McGIathry's shipyard was probably
located on the westerly side of Camden harbor where vessels were
built for so many years afterwards. This property which extended
from Chestnut street to the shore of the harbor where M. C.
Whitmore & Co.'s wharf now is, ^ afterwards came into the
possession of Benjamin Cushing who built ships there and later
continued the business in company with Capt. Noah Brooks.
Capt. Brooks afterwards carried on the business alone until after
the war , of 1812, when he removed to South Boston, where he
continued to build vessels and became ' a prominent citizen of
that place. Capt. Joseph Stetson after having worked for a time
with Capt. Brooks, began ship-building on his own account about
the year 1816, in the same yard, and followed the business in
Camden for nearly forty years, being one of the largest and most
successful builders of vessels of his time on the Maine coast and
one of the most successful that Camden has produced. He
occupied the same yard as his predecessors for many years and
while there had as an apprentice Chas. Bartlett, whom at the age
of 21, he took into the business with him for a time. Capt.
Stetson removed his business to the yard at the head of the harbor,
now familiarly kiiown as the " Coombs yard," ^ about 1840, and
Bartlett continued for a while to occupy the old yard, but we can-
1. See ante. Page 103.
2. Bay View street was not then in existence, not being laid out until 1866.
3. Atlantic Avenue and the stone bridge were not then in existence, the Avenue
being built In 1880. The yard originally extended above where the Avenue now
is, but vessels have been built there since the Avenue was put through. The yard
is now the property of the Camden Yacht Building & Railway Co.
INDUSTRIAL 603
not learn that he built many vessels there. Following Mr.
Bartlett, John E. Dailey built two vessels in this old yard, being
the last to occupy it. Capt. Stetson continued his prosperous
ship-building business until after 1850, building in all something
like 70 vessels of all sizes and classes, — ships, barks, barkentines,
brigs, brigantines, .schooners, top-sail schooners, etc., among them
being several fast sailing " clipper " ships that gained for their
builder a wide reputation. In those days a vessel tonning 1200,
was considered a very large one, several of which size Capt. Stetson
launched.
Sometime in the fifties Oliver Clary built and launched two
or three vessels in the " Decrow Yard" near where the David
Decrow house on Atlantic avenue now stands.
The Coombs Yard " was next occupied by Augustus D.
Mirick and Nelson Pendleton who built several vessels there,
one being the ship, Joseph Jones. It was then occupied by John
E. Dailey (who had been building at Tenant's Harbor) from 1862
to 1871.
Israel Decrow, who began his ship-building business at
Lincolnville Beach, removed to Camden in 1863, where he con-
tinued the business, having for a partner for a short time Capt.
Isaac Coombs. Capt. Coombs himself began the business of
vessel building in 1875 and afterwards had for his partner
John Brown, the firm being Coombs & Brown, and afterwards,
Samuel Q. Day, the firm being styled Coombs & Day, and during
the last of his building he was associated with Capt. Joseph T.
Conant, under the firm name of Isaac Coombs & Co. Capt.
Coombs also built two vessels in company with H. M. Bean. In
all he was employed in the building of some twelve vessels,
the last being the barkentine, Mannie Swan, in 1892.
The shipyard now known as the "Bean Yard" was first used
for vessel building by Thomas Hodgman and Russell Glover for
several years, beginning about 1854. There they built and
launched a number of vessels. After they ceased business the
604
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
yard remained unoccupied until 1875, when it was purchased by
Holly M. Bean. Mr. Bean in early life was a ship-carpenter and
contracted to do the carpenter work on many vessels. He first
came to Camden to do the carpenter work on a brig in process of
construction by John E. Dailey in 1869 and in 1870 went with
Mr. Dailey to Tenant's Harbor to build a three-masted schooner,
Holly M. Bean
a new style of rig in that day, and Mr. Bean did the carpenter
work on that vessel, after which he began ship-building there
himself in company with Whitney Long, launching nine vessels
and beginning a career that has made him one of the most suc-
cessful and best known ship-builders on the Atlantic coast. He
returned to Camden in 1873, and in company with Capt. Isaac
INDUSTRIAL 60S
Coombs built the barkentine, " Edward Gushing," and bark, " J.
M. Clark," and then bought the present yard where he has
launched in recent years so many great schooners. ^For the last
few years his son, Robert L. Bean, has been associated with him
and the last eight vessels have been built by the firm of H. M. &
R. L. Bean. Mr. Bean has built 54 vessels in Camden and has
been concerned in building 71 in all, all but 19 of which he built
alone, being probably the largest number built by any one man in
this section. The rigs of the Camden vessels have been as follows:
1 brig, 1 two-masted schooner, 2 barks, 1 7 three-masters, 20 four-
masters, 12 five-masters and 1 six-master. Their cost was some
$2,500,000. Some of the largest and most liotable vessels built
by Mr. Bean and their gross tonnage, were the John B. Prescott,
2454 tons; Jennie French Potter, 1993 tons; George W. Wells,
2970 tons; Van Aliens Boughton, 2129 tons; Arthur Seitz,
2207 tons; T Charlton Henry, 2421 tons; Margaret Haskell,
2114 tons ; S. J. Goucher, 2547 toiis ; Helen J. Seitz, 2547 tons.
These were all five-masters except the Wells which was a six-
master. Mr. Bean built the second three-master, the second five-
master, (the John B. Prescott) and the first six-master (the
George W. Wells), that were ever launched, and his busy ship-
yard with one or more towering vessels upon the stocks nearly all
of the time has been one of the " show places " of the town, as
well as a source of much of the town's prosperity.
Rockport has been equally distinguished as a ship-building
place and Rockport village was largely built up by the ship-build-
ing industry. Tradition says that the first shipyard in what i's
now the town of Rockport was located at Clam Cove (now Glen
Cove) on the northerly side of said "Cove." We are not in-
formed as to who operated said yard or the number of vessels
launched there, but probably both the number and size of the
vessels built there were small.
So far as we are able to learn the first vessels built at Rock-
port village were built by Patrick Simonton and Albert S. Eells.
606 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Mr. Simonton had a shipyard on the easterly side of the harbor
where the ice houses are now located, where he launched some
20 vessels, the most notable being the ship, Tennessee, about
the year 1840. Mr. Eells built in 1835, in a yard above where
the Rockport iron bridge now is. In those days there was no
bridge at that place and the vessels were launched down stream
into the harbor. Mr. Simonton is also said to have built at least
one vessel in that yard. Mr. Eells then occupied the yard at the
creek " where the Eells lime kilns now are, and later the yard
on the west side of the " creek." In the last of his building he
had associated with him his son, John H. Eells. Mr. Eells
launched from his yards 25 or 30 vessels of all sizes and rigs and
did a prosperous business.
David Talbot and Christopher Young, Jr., occupied a ship-
yard on the westerly side of the Rockport harbor between the
Eells and the Carleton-Norwood yards which they successfully
operated in the fifties and sixties for several years, building some
10 or 12 vessels, mostly schooners.
The largest ship builders of Rockport have been, Carleton &
Norwood and Carleton, Norwood & Co. The original firm began
building in 1844, in the yard now occupied by Carleton, Norwood
& Co. Since the firm was changed to Carleton, Norwood & Co., in
1849, fifty-six more vessels have been launched making 66 in all.
These vessels have been of all sizes and rigs and their cost has
been millions of dollars. Among these vessels have been many
large ships that have carried the American flag to all parts of the
globe. Among the largest, with their tonnages, may be mentioned
the ships, Zuleika, 1300 tons; Augusta. Norwood, 1200 tons;
John Pascal, 1450 tons ; Raphael, 1542 tons ; Wandering Jew,
1737 tons; Wm. H. Macy, 2202 tons; S. D. Carleton, 1788
tons ; Robert L. Belknap, 2369 tons, and the magnificent four-
masted ship, Frederick Billings, 2628 tons. For nearly all of the
sixty years that it has been building vessels this concern has
launched at least one good sized vessel nearly every year, all of
INDUSTRIAL 607
which have been built under the direction of that veteran master-
builder, John Pascal, and his son Chester L. Pascal.
In addition to ship-building, the owning and sailing of vessels
has always been one of the most important of the business interests
of Camden and Rockport, their great fleets of peace whitening
the seas and unfolding the stars and strips to the breezes of every
clime.
Lime iyiarivifact\are.
From the earliest days hme-burning also has been one of the
most important industrffes of Camden and Rockport, although the
principal portion of that business has been done within what is
now Rockport. Lime rock which is found in such abundance in
Knox and Waldo counties is found in its finest quality in Rock-
port. In the early days of the town's history lime rock was
quarried and burned by many different individuals in various parts
of Camden. 'There were kilns at Camden and Rockport villages,
on the Conway Farm, at Simonton's Corner, on Beauchamp
Point and in the western and southern portions of the town.
These early manufacturers used the "old fashioned kilns," ruins
and remains of which are still found in many localities. These
kilns were used until about 1859 and had a capacity of from 350
to 550 casks. The rock was put into these kilns and burned for
several days, fourteen turns, each turn consisting of 12 hours.
The fire was then drawn, and the lime was selected and barrelled
for market. In 1859 was begun the use of " patent kilns" such
as are used at the present time. These kilns are kept full
of rock by being fed at the top while the lime is periodically
drawn off at the bottom and the fires are kept continually burning.
In these kilns wood was used exclusively as a fuel, until 1889
when Mr. Granville E. Carleton patented a process of burning
lime by the use of soft coal, and at the present time coal is used
in the majority of the Knox County kilns, although the process is
slightly different from that patented by Mr. Carleton.
608 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
We shall be unable to mention all who have been engaged in
the manufacture of lime in Camden and Rockport, but we learn that
Hiram Hartford was one of the earliest engaged in that business.
He lived at what is known as Hartford's Corner " and his kilns
were located near the east end of the Rockport iron bridge. Next
to the south was the kiln of Comfort Barrows, the remains of which
are still in existence. The next kiln to the south was operated
by Wm. Carleton, and his successors, Carleton, Norwood & Co.
Beyond that, what is known as the " Martin Stand" was operated
by David Talbot. Then followed in order the kilns of Thomas
Spear, Jacob Graffam (the latter property bieing now owned by the
Rockport Ice Co.) Paul and Eben Thorndike, Wm. Upham and
John Harkness, Job Ingraham, Amon Dailey, Samuel Barrett and
Charles and John Barrett. At about the same time Jeremiah
Mclntire manufactured lime on Beauchamp Point. " At Simonton' s
Corner lime was manufactured by William Simonton and others,
there being some nine kilns in operation then at one time, and at
West Camden by Minot Tolman and others.
Camden village in the old days was also a lime manufactur-
ing place, there being a row of old fashioned kilns on the west
shore of the harbor, the remains of some of them being still in
existence on Bay View street. The first kiln was located near
where the D. W. Russell blacksmith shop stands and was operated
by Cushing & Wood. Next beyond was the Adams kiln and then
in order came the J. C. Stetson, the Valentine Mansfield, the
Joseph Jones, the Ephraim Banett and the Jacobs kilns. The
latter was operated for a time by Cleveland and Simonton and
Christopher Young, Jr., and finally came into the possession of
Carleton, Norwood & Co. who burned lime there for many years,
building the existing iron kilns and lime sheds.
The first "patent kilns" were erected by Jotham Shepherd.
Carleton, Norwood & Co. and David Talbot, and shortly after-
wards by Christopher Young, Jr.
The first quanies were small and located in various parts of
INDUSTRIAL 609
the town, but finally the quarries between Camden and Rockport
villages and those at Simonton's Corner became about the only
ones worked. The former, known as the Jacobs quarries, had been
operated to a small extent prior to 1854 or 'SS when S. F. Allen
of Thomaston opened negotiations to purchase the "Jacobs Farm "
then owned by John Witherspoon and shortly afterwards it was
purchased by Christopher Young, Jr., John Crocker and W. H.
Thorndike of Rockland and N. C. Fletcher, Henry Lowell and
Mr. Allen, who soon began operating the quarries upon it. Mr.
Allen took charge, dug a kiln of rock, consisting of SOO or 550
casks, burned it and branded the product "Jacobs Lime."
From that day lime of that brand has stood very high in the
market. Mr. FJetcher then for a short time had charge of the
business and then the property was partitioned and sold to the
various parties in interest. About the year 1859, Christopher Young,
Jr. took the portion on which was situated the Jacobs quarries,
since known as the Burgess - Jacobs Quarry and Shepherd -Jacobs
Quarry. He began to operate it but died in 1862. In 1863 G.F.
Burgess married Mr. Young's widow, and began actively operating
the quarry, which he successfully continued until 1891, when his
entire business, including quarries, kilns, vessels, stock in trade
and good will was sold to S. E., H. L., and 0. P. Shepherd.
In 1866, Carleton, Norwood & Co. purchased that portion of
the Jacobs Farm containing what has since been known as the
Carleton-Norwood Jacobs Quarry, and at once began operating
it- They operated their two kilns at Camden village by using
rock from this quarry. Granville E. Carleton owned the other
quarry adjoining the Burgess quarry and for years manufactured
lime at Rockport village, being noted as the owner of the " big
kiln" on the west side of the harbor. William and Elbridge
Carleton under the firm name of Carleton & Co. were at one time
actively engaged in the manufacture of lime on the property
known as the "Gross Quarry Farm." To facilitate the carriage
of limerock from the Simonton Corner quarries to the Rockport
610
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
kilns, the several owners united in constructing the narrow gauge
" Limerock Railroad " about 1886, which they operated until
about 1894 and then abandoned.
In 1900, the corporation known as the Rockland - Rockport
Lime Co. was organized with a capital of $2,000,000. This cor-
poration at once took over the greater portion of the quarries.
Herbert L. Shepherd
kilns, and other property of the various Knox County lime manu-
facturers, and in 1900 purchased the entire lime manufacturing
property of the S. E. & H. JL,. Shepherd Co., said at that time to
be the third largest manufacturer of lime in the county. The
year following the new lime company also purchased the entire
lime manufacturing plant of Granville E. Carleton and the lime
INDUSTRIAL 611
plant, blocks and wharves of Carleton, Norwood & Co. at Rock-
port and Camden. Since this purchase the kilns at Camden
village have not been operated. Herbert L. Shepherd of Rock-
port is at the present time a member of the board of Directors
and of the Executive Committee, and Manager of the Rockport
department, of the company.i Mr. Shepherd is an able business
man, active, aggressive and far-sighted and is a most valuable
factor in the^ management of this great concern. The Rockport
department of the company has an annual output of some 300,000
casks, and maintains an annual pay-roll of about $75,000.
The one independent lime manufacturing concern in Rock-
port at the present time is the Eells plant. This business was
established by Albert S. Eells & Son, «ometime in the seventies.
They built one kiln which they operated by purchasing rock from
various quarry owners. Subsequently they acquired what is known
as the Thorndike Quarry at Simon ton's Corner, which they operated
quite extensively for ten or fifteen years, having two kilns.
More recently the plant was operated by Bryant & Kent who built
a third kiln and at the present time is being operated by Thomas
W. Carter of Boston.
1. Among the enterprises largely promoted by Mr. Shepherd was the Rock-
port Bock H. R. for transporting limerook from the Simonton CJomer quarries to
the kilns ; and it was principally through his efforts that the road was constructed
and put in successful operation. The first engine to go over the road was named
" S. D. Carleton " for the senior member of the firm of Carleton, Norwood & Co.
which concern owned one half of the road, and the second was named " Joe
Shepherd" for a member of the S. E. & H. L. Shepherd Co. which owned the
other half. Mr. Shepherd was also largely instrumental in the construction of the
electric railway line connecting the large and prosperous Knox County communi-
ties and known as the Rockland, Thomaston & Camden Street Railway. He has
also served as President of the Oxford Light Co., Norway, Me. ; director of the
United Gas & Electric Co., Dover, N. H. ; director in various trust companies and
trustee of the Camden Savings Bank ; and for years as Superintendent of the Maine
Agencies of the Union Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Portland. In addition to serv-
ing as Representative and Senator, already mentioned, Mr. Shepherd also served
as a membef of Gov. Cleaves' Council in 1895-96, and was for several years Inspec-
tor and Collector of Customs ol the ports of Camden and Rockport.
612 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Woolen Manufacture.
Woolen manufacturing is confined wholly to Camden
village, and is now its most important industry. The first woolen
goods manufactured in Camden were woven in the old brick build-
ing now a part of the Anchor Works. This building was erected
in 1824, and was owned by Lewis and Abraham Ogier and occu-
pied for many years as a clothing and carding mill. Later it was
operated by Thomas Harback who manufactured woolen cloth
for a number of years ending about 185 0 or a little later. Cam-
den's career as a woolen manufacturing town, however, really
began in 1864, when Johnson, Fuller & Co., began here the
manufacture of the first paper maker's endless felts made in this
country. This firm was afterwards (in 1870) succeeded by the
Knox Woolen Company, which is today one of the most pros-
perous industries in Maine. The original building was erected
in 1863 by Camdan's now veteran contractor, Mr. Robert S.
Davis. In 1887 the Mechanic street addition was completed;
in 1894 and 1904, the large wing on the Washington street side,
and in 1905 the new dye house. This large plant still manu-
factures felts almost wholly, employs some ISO men and women
and has a pay-roll of some $70,000 per year. Its stock is prin-
cipally owned in Camden. At the present time Joshua Adams is
President and C. Wilkes Babb, Treasurer and Superintenden-t.
The Camden Woolen Company was organized in the spring
of 1887, and its factory was erected during the following year on
the site of the Gould Plug and Grist Mill. Its stock was taken up
by some 75 incorporators, principally Camden people. This fac-
tory manufactures men's fancy woolens and women's dress goods.
It started with flattering prospects and is now doing a large and
prosperous business. In 1889, the addition was built and the
plant is in a first-class condition. It is what is known as a " six
set mill," and furnishes work for some 125 employes, its pay-roll
amounting to nearly $50,000 annually. The President and
INDUSTRIAL 613
Treasurer at the present time is Reuel Robinson and the Super-
intendent, and Manager, M. P. Hanley.
The next factory organization to be created was that of the
Megunticook Woolen Company in 1888. Its factory was erected
the following year on what was known as the " Bachelder Privi-
lege," being the first below the Molineaux privilege. The build-
ing was afterwards enlarged. This corporation manufactured felts
for its principal business but was not as successful as its older
rival, and in 1905 the whole plant was sold to WiUiams & Paige
of Boston, who have since operated it under the name of a new
corporation called the Seabright Woven Felt Company. This
Company is now doing a large business, employing some 60 hands
and having a pay roll of about $35,000 per year. The present
officers are Samuel Williams, President, Frank E. Paige, Treasurer,
and Richard Howarth, Superintendent.
The Mt. Battle Manufacturing Company, organized in 1892,
now occupies the Bisbee Powder Mill privilege and its stock is
held principally by Camden people. Its plant completed in 1893,
is the most modern and convenient of any of the Camden, corpora-
tions. It is a " six set mill " and produces practically the same
class of fabrics as the Camden Woolen Co., and when running at
full capacity employs about the same number of hands and has
a pay-roll nearly as large. In 1906, the officers of the Company
are E. Frank Knowlton, President, W. F. Bisbee, Treasurer and
Geo. C. Crane, Superintendent.
AncKors, Engines, Etc.
The well known Camden Anchor Works were established by
Horatio E. and VAlliam G. Alden in 1866. After the death of
the senior partner in 1877, WilUam G. Alden continued the busi-
ness alone, which soon grew to be the largest anchor manufactur-
ing plant in the country, manufacturing anchors of all sizes from
the smallest to those weighing over four tons. These anchors at
once became famous and for the past third of a century have been
614 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
carried at the bows of all classes of vessels, sailing all the waters
of the world. The business was for years a very prosperous one
employing a large number of men, but for the past few years the
new ' stockless anchor " has to a large extent superseded the
product of the works, although for "holding" qualities there has
never been anything superior to the Aldgn anchor. In 1901,
Mr. Alden sold his business and plant to a new corporation known
as the Camden Anchor-Rockland Machine Company which con-
solidated the Anchor Works with the business of the Rockland
Machine Company, manufacturers of the Knox Gasolene Engine.
This company is now doing a large business in the manufacture
of both anchors and engines, especially the latter, and in 1906
erected its large brick machine shop at the foot of Commercial
street Camden, where all its business will be carried on in the
future. This company will employ here, from one to two hundred
skilled workman, will maintain a pay-roll of about $75,000 per
annum, and will be one of Camden's principal and most valuable
industries.
Miscellaneous.
Camden has a large number of prosperous industries large
and small in addition to the foregoing, the principal ones being
Knowlton Bros., foundry, machine shop, saw mill, etc.; Camden
Grist Mill Co. and Frye & Porter, Grist Mills ; Camden Lumber
Co., saw and grist mill and sash and blind factory; Dr. D.
P. Ordway Plaster Co., manufacturers of plasters and
other patent medicines. The latter is doing a very pros-
perous business through the mail and it is principally because
of this business that the Camden Post-OfKce has been made a first
class office and is the best paying office in this section of the
state. This Plaster Company employs about 100 hands, prin-
cipally young women, for a large portion of the year and has an
annual pay-roll of from $15,000 to $20,000. Another flourishing
industry of the town is Joseph A. Brewster's Shirt Manufactory
INDUSTRIAL 615
which employs 65 people and has a pay-roll of about $25,000 per
year. C. M. Barstow's manufactory of heading machines and W.
C. Howe's machine shop and garage are also important industries,
and the Camden Yacht Building & Railway Company's marine
railways and yacht building plant, and Henry L. Alden's Oakum
Pactory give employment to many. While hundreds of others
find employment as carpenters, masons, boat-builders, sail-makers,
stone-cutters and in a score of other ways where mechanics and
artisans are required.
Rockport's chief industries, outside of those already men-,
tioned, are the ice business of the Rockport Ice Company, which
cuts from the. Lily Pond and harvests each year, 40,000 tons of
ice which has the reputation of being the best ice cut in Maine ;
the Storey Shirt Factory, a branch of J. A. Brewster's Camden
business, conducted by Mr. Brewster and H. D. Storey, and em-
ploying some 35 people ; the cooperage, grist mill, etc., carried on
by the S. E. & H. L. Shepherd Co. at Rockport village, and the
cooperage business of the Knox Cooperage Company and others
at West Rockport. There are also the usual number of men em-
ployed as carpenter, masons, boat-builders, sail-makers, granite-
workers, etc., in a place of its size and enterprise.
We have not space to give a history of the scores of indus-
tries, some of them, important ones, that have flourished here in the
past but are here no longer, like fishing, fitting out fishermen,
manufacture of paper, powder, scythes, brick, etc. Neither will
space permit us to give a business directory of the many mer-
chants, professional men and others now here who find profitable
occupations in the two towns. Suffice it to say that Camden and
Rockport have never lacked sufficient industries to keep their
people profitably employed and no towns of the state have more
glowing prospects for future growth, activity and prosperity.
616 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
CHAPTER LXVr.
AS Summer Resorts.
" Ye who love the haunts of nature,
Love the sunshine of the meadow,
Love the shadow of the forest.
Love the wind among the branches,
*******
And the thunder in the mountains,
Whoseinnunierable echoes
Flap like eagles in their eyries :
Listen!"
There is no spot where Nature has distributed her gifts with
a more lavish hand ; there is no region that she has endowed with
a more potent scenic charm, than "Picturesque Camden" and its
neighboring territory and adjacent waters. And there is no place
the equal of this region in possessing all the characteristics that
go to make up an ideal summer resort. Some places have be-
come famous for their situation by the sea, some for the beauty
of their hills and the grandeur of their mountains, some for the
gentle charm of field and forest, " river and fountain, brook and
rill," some for rugged wave-dashed islands, some for lovely lakes,
some for their fine facilities for rowing, sailing and yachting and
some for their cool, salubrious and health inspiring climate. Others
have become famous for a combination of two or more of these
characteristics. None but Camden and vicinity has them all.
All of these and more are here.
AS SUMMER RESORTS 617
" Thou who wbuld'st see the lovely and the wild
Mingled in harmony on Nature's face,
Ascend our rocky mountains. Let thy foot
Fail not with weariness, for on their tops
The beauty and the majesty of earth
Spread wide iDeneath, shall make thee to forget
The steep and toilsome way."
The mountains arise from the sea and reach far back into the
country and from their summits the eye takes in a scene of un-
surpassed loveliness and grandeur. Toward the west are hills with
lakes everywhere sparkling in their deep valleys,
" A most living landscape, and the wave
Of woods and cornfields, and the abode of men."
Below are the calm harbors, unruffled by the winds. To the east
is the broad expanse of water than which there is no finer place for
sailing and yacht-racingi Beyond lies the great archipelago of
Penobscot Bay, while toward the south, unobstructed, stretches the
vast, shimmering surface of,
" The sea ! the sea ! the open sea !
The blue, the fresh, the ever free ! "
Amid this scenery are drives innumerable, the most famous one
being over the " Turnpike."
From the mountains into the houses and cottages flows an
inexhaustible supply of the marvelously pure Mirror Lake water ^
and the breezes from the sea and mountains reduce the heat of
summer to ail even, invigorating and delightful temperature.
1. The following statement of Prof. Robinson who analyzed the water of
Mirror Lake is of interest:
" BOWDOIN CJOLLEGE, BmmswioK, Mb.
Hon. a. F. Crockett, President of Camden & Kockland Water Co. :
My analysis of your mountain spring water, taken from Mirror Lake, justifies
me in certifying that it is a water of extraordinary purity. There are, in fact, abso-
lutely no injurious ingredients in it ; it is almost as pure as the purest spring
water I ever analyzed, and I think it would be hard to match it anywhere.
Franklin C. Robinson,
Professor of Chemistry and Assayer,
State of Maine."
Other analyses have corroborated the foregoing.
618
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
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AS SUMMER RESORTS 619
From the earliest days people have been drawn to Camden
by its picturesque scenery. For almost a century and a half men
and women, coming here as sojourners, have fallen under the
spell of its beauty, and have here remained. Those who have
come and gone away have carried with them a lasting mental
picture of its land and water scenes, which many have celebrated
in prose and verse and preserved on canvas.
It was not until less than fifty years ago, however, that Cam-
den began to be recognized by city people as an ideal spot in
which to pass the sultry days of the heated term. So far as we
are able to learn the first " summer visitors" to Camden, were
Mrs. A. P. Guild and her two daughters, and three daughters
of Mr. Frederick Dillingham, all of Bangor, who in the summer
of 1857, boarded with Mrs. Amasa Hosmer who at that time
lived on the '! Kent Farm " on Belfast Road. Mrs. Hosmer con-
tinued to take boarders there for three summers when she and
her family moved to the house on the corner of High street and
Ocean avenue, now owned by her son, Errold E. Hosmer, and
known as the " Hosmer House," where she continued to take
summer boarders for many years. The most of them for a long
time were prominent Bangor people, among them, in the early
days, being Mrs. Guild and family, Arad Thompson and family,
Edwin F. Dillingham and family, Dr. Sanger and family. Dr.
Laughton, Mrs. Veazie and A. L. Boyd. Later summer boarders
began to come from other cities, — Boston, New York and else-
where — and in the eighties they flocked here from all parts of the
country. After Mrs. Hosmer's death the business was continued
and enlarged by Mr. E. E. Hosmer who has had one of the most
successful summer boarding houses in this locality. As visitors
increased others began taking boarders for the summer, among
them being Joseph Eaton, the Misses Allen, Mrs. J. A. McKay
and others, some of whom have continued the business most
successfully until the present time. Up into the nineties the
principal " summer business " consisted in taking boarders and
620 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
the visitors were principally a well to do class of people who
wanted to spend a few weeks in 1;he country and while many
came but few remained as permanent summer residents. Be-
ginning early in the nineties, however, the character of the
summer visitors began to change with the advent of a wealthier
class, who built cottages, and while taking boarders has continued,
Camden has never becorne a great . summer hotel place, the
Mountain View House built by John Porter in 1882, and after-
wards purchased by F. O. Martin, being the only distinctive
summer hotel in town, although the Ocean House, burned in
1903 was for a time run as such and the Bay View House has
always entertained a large number of summer people.
The first " summer cottage " was built by Caleb Holyoke of
Brewer, on a lot of land on Ogier's Point, purchased by him in
1871. In May, 1881, A. M. Judson, whose wife is a descendant
of Lewis Ogier, purchased his original lot on Ogier's. Hill and
erected his fine summer home, known as " Stonyhurst," At
about the same time Edwin F. Dillingham purchased his original
lot on Ogier's (now Dillingham's) Point and erected his summer.
home ' Arequipa." A little later Manly Hardy of Brewer built
a small cottage on an adjoining lot on the Point, and in 1882,
William H. Gardiner, then of Philadelphia, purchased the lot on
the western side of the harbor and erected the cottage known as
" Edgewater." Mr. Dillingham and his sons afterwards purchased
large tracts of adjoining land on the Point and have erected
several fine cottages thereon, the principal ones being " Gray
Lodge " the property of Dr. F. H. Dillingham, " The Birches "
belonging to E. L. Dillingham, and the " Pointed Firs."
In 1888, Wm. A. French of Boston purchased the Melvin
Farm and made of it a summer home now known as " Hillcrest"
and in 1890, Camden began to have a "boom" in real estate,
several farms being sold to wealthy men for summer homes and a
number of large cottages being erected. These places were the
Abbott farm on ' ' Melvin Heights ' ' purchased by James A. Wright of
AS SUMMER RESORTS 621
Philadelphia and the Watson place in the same neighborhood by
Mr. Wright's daughter, now Mrs. Timothy Walsh, and a part of
the Rodney Beverage farm on Belfast Road, purchased in 1891
by Dr. George Strawbridge of Philadelphia. After Mr. Wright's
death his place was purchased by Wm. W. Justice of Philadelphia,
who has since made his summer home there, the place being
known as " Blueberry Farm," Dr. Strawbridge's fine place on
the bay is called " Rockledge."
The business depression of 1893 put an end to the "boom"
for a time but in 1896 it started again and since that time Cam-
den has seen a vast increase in the value of shore property and
many expensive and elegant summer residences have been erected.
In addition to those already mentioned and Mr. Steams' " Norum-
bega," " Sagamore Farm" and " Selbourne, " the following are
the principal summer residences that have been erected in Cam-
den : In Belfast Road region : " Grey Rocks," E. J. Wardwell,
Cambridge; " Woodclyiie," H..F. Amsden, Boston, (now owned
by Mr. Wardwell ; ) " Mountain Arrow," Appleton R.Hillyer, Hart-
.ford, Conn.; " Mecaddacut," George B.Phelps, New York;
" Timbercliffe," Chauncey Keep, Chicago; " Nodoneyo," Mrs.
Harriet B. Borland, Chicago; " Edgemont," Miss M. 0. Hill,
Brookline ; " Wildacre," Mrs. B. M. Plummer, Philadelphia :
together with " Hilhor," "Upland," "Anchorage," "idle
Hours," " Fairliwn " and " Orchardside," cottages owned by
John R. Prescott of Newtonville. "Baymount" at the foot
of Mt. Battie is the home of Edward Baxter Perry, the blind
pianist. At Melvin Heights: " Summerfold," Mrs. Timothy
Walsh, Brookline; " Crabtree Farm," Justus C. Strawbridge,
Philadelphia. On Ogier's Hill and vicinity: "Red Cottage,"
Mrs. E. J. Parker, Quincy, 111.; " Cedar Crest," Mrs. Clara E.
Palmer, Lawrence ; " Breeze Hill," built by Lawrence F. Abbott
of New York now owned by Otto Kirschner of Detroit, Mich.;
"Belvedere," W. F. Hooper, Fall River, Mass.; Prudden
Cottage, Theodore H. Prudden, West Newton; "Pine-
622
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
crest," Myron M. Parker, Washington; "Portlow," W. J. Curtis,
Summit, N. J.; " The Rock," Mrs.' Cornelius Stevenson, Phila-
delphia: ; " Grey Lodge," C. F. Hofer, Cincinnati ; " The Home^
stead," Charles T. Gallagher, Boston ; " Blythewood," Joseph
D. Snell, Boston; "Borden Cottage," the late William Borden,
Chicago; " Undercliff," A. M. Judson, New York; "Boulder"
and " Thayercroft," Miss Mary S. Smart, Geneva, N. Y. The
A. Typical Camden Cottage
Summer Residence of Col. Myron M. ParK.er
of Washington, D. C.
most recent cottage to be built is now in process of construction
on the Russell Farm, overlooking Megunticook Lake, by Charles
H. McKee of St. Louis.
In 1901, Sherman's Point was sold by the heirs of Ignatius
Sherman to George B. Wilson of Philadelphia. Mr. Wilson has
cleared it of underbrush and supurfluous growth and has built to
AS SUMMER RESORTS 623
it a macadamized road from the Belfast Road. He also divided
the property into fine cottage lots, several of which he has sold.
No summer cottages have been erected there, but the Point is
destined soon to become one of the finest summer residence
sections in this locality.
Megunticook Lake began to be a summer resort in 1884
when Mr.. George H. Cleveland and Mr. A. H. Knight and later
Capt. Isaac Coombs, Mr. Geo. Burd and other citizens of Camden
village built cottages there and started the summer settlement
known as " Lake City." Others followed and in 1892, "Lake
City Inn" was built near the south shore of the lake and conducted
as a summer hotel until the fall of 1895, when, with its contents it
was totally destroyed by fire. Cottages continued to spring up at
" Lake City" and all around the lake and on the islands, built by
Camden people and many from other states until at the present
time there are some forty cottages in that locality. Among the
principal Lake cottages are "Sunset Cottage," George H. Hill,
Boston; "Land's End," E. E. Richards, Boston ; Stone Cottage,
Prof. Alaric Stone, Boston and the cottages of • Judge H. W.
Kelley, Rockland, Mass., G. E. Gookin, Indianapolis, Ind., Mrs.
Ella C. Fenderson, Boston and Hon. E. L. Freeman, Central
Falls, R. I. There are also a few cottages at Lake Hosmer.
While a few summer boarders came to Rockport, that town
did not come into any prominence as a summer resort until 1899
when Charles W. Henry purchased the Mclntire Farm on
Beauchamp Point and erected his summer home there known as
" Orchard Farm." Shortly afterwards he purchased the Calder-
wood, John Mclntire and Jere Mclntire farms and other property
in the same neighborhood and began selling therefrom cottage
lots to others, principally Philadelphians. This resulted in the
building up of a summer colony on the Point. Among the first
to follow Mr. Henry was Wm. J. Latta of Philadelphia who
owns " White Cedars." Other cottages are " Lyndon," Cyrus
H. K. Curtis, Philadelphia; " Weatherend," built by F. H.
624
HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
Dougherty of Philadelphia and now owned by John Gribbel of the
same city. In the same vicinity are " Overlook," " Balsams " and
the " Wister Cottage," owned by Mrs. Henry. In 1899, 'A.
H. Chatfield of Cincinnati purchased the John Barrett farm also
on Beauchamp Point and erected his summer residence, ' Alder-
mere." Later he purchased the adjoining Amos Barrett place and
now has a fine estate theie. The other cottages near Mr. Chat-
A. Typical RocKport Cottage
Summer Residence of Mr. Win. J. Latta
of Philadelphia, Pa.
field's are those of Frederick Gilbert of Utica, N. Y., Dr.F.Forch-
heimer of Cincinnati and " Wawenock," Prof. E. Hershey Sneath
of New Haven. Below Rockport village on the road to Rock-
land are " Roxmont," the fine cottage of F. 0. Havener of Wheel-
ing, W. Va., and the new cottage of Mrs. Ada B. Tremaine of
Providence, R. I. In addition to those already mentioned are
AS SUMMER RESORTS 62S
several small cottages, mostly owned by local people, at Ballard
Park and the new cottage of H. L. Shepherd, between the Park
and Rockport village. There are also a few small cottages at
Mirror Lake.
Nearly all of the summer residences here mentioned are
fine cottages, some magnificent in their size and luxurious
in their appointments costing many thousands of dollars to erect
and furnish. In addition there are many others in the two towns,
particularly in Camden, less pretentious and expensive, too
numerous to be specifically mentioned here, many of which are
annually rented by their owners. The supplying of these cottages
and the many hundreds of people who visit Camden and Rockport
during the summer has become an exceedingly important and
prosperous industry of the two towns, especially of Camden.^
Among the things promoted principally by the summer
residents is the Mt. Battle Association, of which A. M.
Judson is President, a corporation organized in 1899, which pur-
chased the top of Mt. Battie and the toll road and Summit House
owned by Columbus Buswell, and had the building remodeled.
It is known as the Mt. Battie Club-house and is annually opened
to the public as a summer hotel. The principal object of this
Association is to hold the mountain perpetually as a park' and
preserve it from being used foi objectionable purposes.
The Megunticook Golf Club, of which Chauncey Keep is
President, was organized in 1899 and incorporated in 1901, and
in 1902, the Calderwood Improvement Company, of which J.
C. Strawbridge is President was incorporated to hold the property
composing the golf links and build the golf club-house. These
Links and Club-house are located on Beauchamp Point, princi-
pally on what was the Calderwood Farm. The club-house is a
1. The excellent books that have been published descriptive of Camden and
Rockport scenery are : "PicturesQue Camden" (two editions) by T. B. Simonton.
"The Camden Mountains" and "Glimpses of Camden" (two editions) by J. R-
Prescott, "Camden by the Sea," by O. W. Morris, and "Where Sweet Winds Blow,"
a booklet of poems by Camden's well-known author, Gilbert Patten.
626 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND EOCKPORT
fine structure and is a favorite place of resort for all the
summer residents in this vicinity. The Camden Yacht Club, of
which Chauncey B. Borland is Commodore, was organized in the
summer of 1906, principally through the efforts of Geo. B.
Phelps. This Club has leased the property of M. C. Whitmore
& Co. near the lime kilns as a wharf and club-house.
During the summer season the population of Camden is in-
creased by some fifteen hundred people, and that of Rockport is
also largely increased, which added to the usual Isrge native
population of the villages, makes our streets scenes of bustle, stir
and activity.
The summer residents of Camden and Rockport are a
magnificent class of people. Possessed of great wealth though
the most of them are, they are as a rule, unassuming, cultured arid
gracious ladies and gentlemen, who are interested in the welfare of
the towns, careful of the rights of others and are held in the highest
regard and respect by the native population. In fact several of
them, notably Mr. E. J. Wardwell, Dr. George B. Phelps, Col.
Myron M. Parker, Mr. Edward Baxter Perry and Mr. C. F. Hofer,
have made Camden their permanent residence, voting and paying
their taxes in that town.
No account of the summer people of Camden and vicinity
would be complete without mention of the venerable and courtly
William R. Porter, the dean of the summer colony, who, for many
years, with his family, has spent a large portion of each year in
Camden, living at the home of his sister, Mrs. Alexander
Buchanan. Mr. Porter is the son of the late Stephen Porter, a
former resiident of Camden, and is not only a great admirer of the
Camden scenery but a strong friend of the town and its people
among whom he has passed so large a portion of his life.
Camden and Rockport are now too far on the road to success
and popularity as summer resorts to warrant any doubt that they
are destilied to stand among the very first of the great watering
places of the country in the years to come.
LAST VIEW 627
CHAPTER LXVII.
Last View.
WhenCapt. Waymouth and the other ancient voyagers first
viewed Camden, they beheld an Hercynian region of forest clad
mountains. When the first settlers came here to establish their
homes the character of the country had not changed. But the years
that have elapsed since James Richards built his cabin home amid
the tall timber at " Negunticook Harbour " and the other pioneers
followed to make the new settlement, have wrought vast changes in
the country and the people. Then the forests, now the fields ; then
the cabin of the humble trapper, now the palace of the rich, the
solid mansion of the well-to-do and the neat cottage of the thrifty
laborer ; then the scattered homes, now the compact and teeming
villages ; then the tow path- with its horseman, now the trolley
and motor car ; then the little mill, now the great factory ; then
the tiny shops, now the brick blocks with plate glass fronts ; then
the perforated tin lanthorn of the pedestrian, now the arc and in-
candescent light ; then the rough unlettered pioneer, now the
college bred scholar and well informed citizen conversant of all
the world's events. Strange and marvellous indeed would Cam-
den and Rockport seem to the early settlers could they look upon
them now. But great as have been the changes many things are
much the same. Three centuries have not changed those
majestic piles, reared by the Almighty's hand, and when the eyes
of the wind-tossed mariner seek those land marks, and
628 HISTORY OF CAMDEN AND ROCKPORT
" — the mountain's misty top
Swells on the sight and brightens with the dawn,"
they behold the same unvarying landfall seen by the eyes of
Waymouth, Strachey, Pring and all the other mariners who have
sailed along our coast from their day to ours. The ocean too,
unchanged and unchangeable, dashes against our rocks exactly as
it did a century ago. The landscape's contour is unchanged and
its embelishments are of the same material. When spring adorns
it with her fire-tipped maples, or summer decks it with the heavy
and varied foliage of curving elm, enameled oak, twinkling poplar,
ghostly birch, towering pine, " pointed " fir and dark boughed
spruce ; when autumn pours her wine upon its foliage or winter
throws over it her robe of ermine ; when lakes sparkle in emerald
settings or ice-clad hillsides scintillate with prismatic splendor ;
when gentle shadows lie over mountain forests and zephyrs play
on woodland harps ; when the storm king rages o'er crag and
headland and Aeolus lashes the sea to wrath ; in all their phases,
Camden and Rockport are beautiful and grand with the same
beauty and grandeur that our forefathers beheld and loved. And
as their landscape has changed and yet not changed, so have their
people changed and yet not changed. In external habit, in wealth,
in material prosperity, in learning, in broadened views, they may
have changed, but in the more essential things of life, in honesty, in
pertinacity, in patriotism, in strength of character, they have not
changed. The spirit that led the pioneers to resist the raids of
the British marauders in Revolutionary times, led their sons to
man the war-ship and privateer in the " war for seamen's right"
in 1812, their grandsons to give their lives for the preserva-
tion of the Union in 1861 and their great grandsons to strike a
blow for the rights of humanity in 1898. In every case it was a
principle for which they fought, and like all men of New England
stock when a principle has been at stake they have contended
with a most tenacious spirit, and this spirit accounts for the many
strong contests they have waged with their neighbors and among
LAST VIEW 629
themselves in religious, social, municipal, political and other
local affairs. They have not always been right in their conten-
tions, but they have always believed they were right, and there-
fore whatever the issue they have fought it out like men. Their
history is one of which the present generation may well be proud.
The generations that have gone have produced their full share of
strong and able men. Looking backward we see them towering
above their fellows like our mountain peaks, — eloquent men,
brainy men, brilliant men, honorable men, good^men, the con-
sumate flowers of the sturdy yeoman citizenship from which they
sprang. The past generations too, have produced gentle and
noble women, less conspicuous, historically, than the men but
equally typical of the New England character and equally a source
of pride to their descendants and successors.
What the future history of these fair towns will be the future
alone can show, but as we take a last view of them, with their
grand scenery, their thriving industries, their noble institutions,
their growing wealth, their abundant resources, their splendid
prospects and their intelligent' population, we cannot doubt that in
growth, in prosperity and in the power and influence that they shall
wield, their future will be greater than their past. Whatever may
be their growth in wealth and population ; whatever power they
may wield and whatever influence exert may the people of these
two mpst favored communities grow in good morals and increase
in good works, may they be stronger in virtue and more in-
fluential for right and justice, until their towns shall stand fore-
most among those splendid municipalities, that will in the future,
even more than in the past, make our imperial state to stand for a
shining example to the Republic of sturdy manhood and noble
womanhood, of intelligent citizenship, of obedience to law, of
sobriety, of benevolence, of morahty and of righteousness, for
"righteousness exalteth a nation."
THE END.
630 ERRATA
EIRRATA.
Page 10. Last line. "500 acres" as surface of Megunticook Lake should be
about 1500 acres.
Page 31. Sixth ;^e. Knox Mansion was of k/odo' except basement which was
of brick.
Page 88. Seventh line. Camden was incorporated, as the sevenly-second town
instead of "twenty-second."
Page 215. Sixth line. Capt. Noah Brooks removed to South Boston, instead of
"East Boston."
Page 234. Sixteenth line. Robert Jameson's wife was the sister. Instead of
"daughter" of Wm. Porterfield.
Page 269. Footnote. Mansfield family : Under Daniel, fifth line: Josephine
M. , fifth child of Elisha, omitted. Under Thomas, third line : Joel had /our childven
instead of "five ;" and Ae ft/mse// died in Worcester, Mass. Also the name of his
second child should be Nathaniel, instead of "Nathan." Newell. He married
o«ce instead of "twice," his wife being Hannah Savage. Alfred D. had but four
children: Emma A„Ella M., Walter H. SbUd Edward C. The last four names at the
bottom of Page 270, viz : Harriet A., Ermina A., (who married Horace W. Cham-
berlain) and George H. were the sisters and brother of Alfred D., the 9th, 10th and
nth children of Newell.
Page 308. Fourth line. "Albert K. Parris" should be Albion K. Parris.
Page 351. Sixth line. Date of Battle of Seven Pines should be May 31, instead
of "March 31."
Page 361. Second line from bottom. The name. "Ephraini M. Knight" should
be Cyphrian M. Knight.
Page 489. In sketch of James Perry, the names of two of his children were
omitted, viz: James 0. Nellie S. (who married John R. Prescott.)
Page 539. Twenty-eighth line. John Pascal came to Rockport about 1842.
instead of "1852."
Page 602. Fifth line from bottom. The name "Chas. BartZett" should be
Thomas C. Bartlett.
INDEX
631
INDEX
INDEX OF SUBJEC?rS.
Aboriginals, 15-23. 56. n.
Academy, 295, 6UU.
Alarm List, 158.
Anchors etc.. Manufacture of, 408, 430,
613-614.
Anecdotes and Adventures.
Richards and the Wolves, 41.
Miller and the Meal, 42.
Jameson and the Tory, 45, 48.
Mrs. Ogier and the British, 47.
Dow Saves Grist Mill, 48.
Metcalf and the Tory, 49.
Gregory and the British, 50.
Tlif mdike and Harkness, 56-58.
Elizabeth Ott and the Raiders, 58.
Robert Thomdike as Pilot, 59—62.
Celebration at Close of the Revolution,
64.
Richards and the Bear, 67.
Metcalf's Ride on the Bear, 68.
Michael Davis, 69.
Hosmer Romance, 75.
Bear and Calf, 77.
Molineaux and Stackpole, 83.
Indian Tradition of Local Names,
87. n.
Capt. McGlathry's Escape, lOS,
Sambo, 119.
Raid on Gen. Goldthwaite, 127.
Embargo Stories, 133.
British Privateers, 150-157, 182.
Daniel Payson's Courtship 161.
The " Victory," 163.
Robert Chase and the Clock, 164.
Escape of British Officers. 169-171.
Captnre of Camden Men by the
British, 173.
Richards and Oat, 177.
Berry's Joke, 182.
Capture of the " Mary," 185-188.
On the "Purieuse," 189.
Mrs. Eager and British Officer, 191,
Col. Foote, 194.
Maj. Wilson, 195.
Celebration at Close of War of 1812, 196.
Brig Catherine Shepherd, 209.
Militia Burlesques, 233, 239, 252-254.
Conivay at Pensacola. 339-343.
Enlistment Incidents, 347, 348.
Death of Gen. Berry, 362.
Drowning of Dunton, 490.
Bombs on Shemian's Point, 518.
Annals of Camden, 57, 62 n, 65, 461.
Atticus, the Slave, 246-248.
Battle, Naval, 149, 380.
Battles, 334, 349, 351 352, 362, 380, 630
(errata. )
Banks.
Megunticook. 244.
Camden Savings, 402.
Camden National, 420.
Megunticook National, 538.
Block Man'f'g., 407.
Book of Town Records, First. 91-92, n.
Bridges, 94-95, 97, 101, 107, 123, 129, 259,
261, 311-313, 449-450.
Buildings, 499-500.
Business Men's Ass'n, 467.
Calderwood Improvement Co., 625.
Camden Anchor-Rockland Machine Co.
See Anchors, etc.
Camden, Books on, 626, n.
Camden, Ancient Spelling of, 85, n.
Camden Village Corporation, 396, 499.
Officers of, 396, n.
Bonds of, 500, n.
Camden Woolen Co., 462, 612.
Camden Yacht Bldg. & Ry. Co., 558, 615.
632
INDEX
Candidates, see Elections.
Cars, Manufacture of, 496.
Castine, Occupied by the British, 47, B2,
162, 164, 171, 190.
Children, First, 42.
Church Edifices and Chapels, 104, 110,
192-195, B69, 571, 572, 573, 676, 578, 580,
582, 583, 584, 586, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592,
594,
Churches and Clergymen, 103, n, 122-
125, 160, 198, 201-205, 56S-594.
Free Will Baptist, 569-570.
Congregational, 122-125, 570-575.
Baptist, 575-583.
"Universalist, 583-585.
Methodist, 456, 585-591,
Episcopal, 591-592.
Adventist, 593.
Christian Science, 593.
Roman Catholic, 594.
City Charter, 641.
Climate, 13.
Committees of Town, 98, 124, 135, 136,
143, 160, 189, 199, 201-204, 236, 242, 337,
356, 358, 402, 459, 477, 511.
Committee of Twenty-One, 536.
Conflagration. See Fires.
Constitution, Amendments to, 240, 360,
288, 382, 398, 434, 436, 451, 491.
Conway Boulder, 660, n.
Conway Memorial, 558-561.
Cooperage, 615.
Council of Church, 203-204.
Court House, 416, n.
Custom House Officials, 281, n.
Custom House, Removed to Rockport, 465
Customs Districts, 281.
Dark Day, 71.
Debt of Town, Division of, 487, n.
Depression, Periods of, 131-139, 197-198,
621.
Discoveries, 1-7, 14-18, 21-22, 35.
Division of Town, 116, 464, 477, 481-486.
• Act of, 482-485 and note.
Draft, Opposition to, 382.
Earthquakes, 402, 551.
Elections.
State and Comity, see each year to
1880 and then each even numberecf
year.
Town. See each year.
Electric Lights, 476.
Embargo, 131-137, 142.
Engines, Manufacture of , seeAnchors.etc
Farms, 13.
Felts. See Woolen Manufacture.
Filibusters, 288-292.
Fire Companies, 276, 398.
Fires, 217, 303, 465, 492, 494.
Fish, 13.
Forests, 12.
Forest, the Schooner, 235.
Fortification of Town, 166, 174.
Porty-Niners, 282.
Furieuse, Visit of, 188-196.
GarileM Memorial, 439.
Gettysburg, 367-373.
Gold Discovered in California, 282.
GoU Club, Megunticook, 625.
Good Templars, 403, n, 420, 451.
Goose River, etc., 38, 39, n, 298-300.
Grand Army Posts, 442, 443, n, 460. u.
Grist Mills, etc., 39, 614, 615.
Hampden, Destruction of, 163
Hancock County, 89.
Harbors, 11-12.
Harper's Ferry, John Brown's Raid at 322
Harrison, Wm. H. Campaign, 264-257.
History of Camden, Sketches of, 322, 421.
History of Town, 477.
Hogreeves, 138, n.
Home Guards, 518.
Homicides, 327, 360, n, 438.
Hostages of British, 190, 195, 196, 301, n.
Hotels. See Inns and Hotels.
Hurricane, 432.
Ice, 480, 615.
Immortal Nine, 271, 283, 285, 302, 415, 418,
453.
Incorporation of Camden, 88, 630, (errata )
Indian Island, 36, n.
Indians. See Aboriginals.
Indictments, 98, 123, 126, 223, 225. 228.
Industries, 407, 601-615.
INDEX
633
Ingraham's Comer, 344.
Inns and Hotels, 102, 249, 266, 268, 415,
474, 620, 623, 625.
Inventions, 4%, 609.
Iron Clads, 426.
Jail, 491.
Knights of Pythias, Lodges and Other
Bodies, 501, 562.
Knox County, 226, 318, 326, n.
Knox Mansion, 31, 630 (errata.)
Knox Woolen Company, 407, 612.
Lakes, 10, 630 (errata.)
Latitude and Longitude, 8.
Lawyers, early, 111, 199, 226, 304.
Libraries, 103, 280, 511, 612, u.
Lighthouses, 12, n, 243, 280.
Light-Keepers. 243, n, 281, n.
Lime, 13, 139, 220, 356, 426, 469, 495, 610,
621, 523, 607-611.
Lime Manufacture and Manufacturers.
See Lime.
Lincoln Cr unty, 84.
Lincolnville, Attack of British on, 179.
Liquor Laws, 297, 345, 451, 556.
Location, 8.
Longevity of Early Settlers, 43.
Machine Shops, 614-615.
Maiden Cliff, 383.
Maine admitted, 215-216.
Majorbiguyduce Expedition, 52-68.
Marine Railway, 616.
Masonic, Anti- Excitement, 238, 267, 270.
Masonic Centennial, 529-530.
Masonic Lodges and Other Bodies. 109,
117, 209, n, 270, 314, 394, n, 589.
(O. E. S.,) 662.
Masonic Temple, 499.
Meeting, First Town, 90.
Meeting-Houses. See Church Edifices and
Chapels.
Meetings, Town, Places of, 93, 102, 137, u,
238, 318, 322.
Megunticook Hall, 425-426, 430.
Megunticook Woolen Co., 467, n, 513.
Memorial Day First Celebrated, 417.
Merchants, First, 84.
Military Affairs, 134, 140-197, 314, 332-393,
516-518.
Militia, 98, 146, 160, 238, 252, 346.
Millville, 460.
Mineral, 13, 420, n.
Ministerial Lot, 101, 583.
Ministers. See Churches and Clergymen.
Missouri, Visit of, 262.
Mountains, 9.
Mount Battle Toll Boad, 515.
Mount Battle Association, 515, 625.
Mount Battie M'f'g Co., 492, 501, 613.
Municipal Officers. See Officers.
Muscongus Q-rant, 21-26.
Names, Local, 85-87.
Navy, Camden and Rockport Men in,
350, 389-390,517-518.
NavV-Yard, Pensacola Surrender of, 339-
343.
Negro Island, 37.
Newspapers.
The American Citizen, 256-267.
Camden Advertiser, 297.
Commercial Advertiser, 297.
Pine Tree State, 300.
The Camden Herald, 400, n.
Village Echo, 419.
Rockport News, 494.
Nbrumbega, 609.
Oakum, Manufacture of, 407, 615.
Odd Fellows, Lodges and Other Bodies,
267, 275, 447, 654.
Officers. 3ee Elections.
Opera Houses.
Rockport, 494.
Camden, 499-500.
Orchestras, 628.
Orders, Military, 174, 176.
Ordway, Dr. D. P. Plaster Co., 614.
Owl's Head, 160, u.
Paper, Manufacture of, 229, 502.
Parochial Troubles, 201-204, 209, 211.
Patrons of Husbandry, Granges, 462,
539, 642.
Perfect, Brig, 282.
Permission to Settle, 32-33.
Petitions and Remonstrances, 92, 106,
136, 136, 143-146, 481, 528, 541.
Physicians, Early, 84, 116, 276.
634
INDEX
Plasters, Manufacture of, 614.
Polar Expedition, 541, n.
Political Parties.
Federal, 117, 132, 218.
Democratic-Kepnblican, 117, 132, 218,
231.
Democratic, 231, 250, 316. 327, 516.
WMg, 238, 256, 313, 315.
Anti-Mason, 238.
Abolition or Liberty, 260, 270, 279, 313.
Free Soil, 280, 313.
Wool Heads, 297, 30.
Wild Cats, 297.
Anti-Maine Law, 297.
Know Nothing, 308, n.
Republican, 308, n, 309, 315, 327, 516.
Union, 327.
War Democrats, 338, 359.
Temperance, 399.
Liberal Republican, 414.
Greenback, 424, 431^36.
Fusion, 433-436.
Prohibition, 435.
Ponds. See Lakes.
Poor, Bid Off, 160, 210.
Port of Camden, 281.
Port of Rockport, 465.
Post-Masters, 101, n, 298, u, 383, n.
Post-Offioes, 100, 298, u.
Powder, Manufacture of, 601.
Preachers, Early, 102, 116, 121, 126. See
Churches and Clergymen.
Prisoner, Escape of, 561.
Prizes, (vessels) 161, 185-188.
Proclamation by British, 172.
Railroads, 243, 400, 402, 403, 413, 460, 461,
466, 476, 478, 481, 492, 561, 610, 611, n.
Rebellion. See Wars.
Rebellion, Camden Men Who Died in,
391-392, n.
Reforms, 208, 231-233, n, 260-261, 271, 275,
279, 425.
Regiments in Rebellion, (Camden Sol-
diers.)
Fourth Inf., 333, 347, 351, 361, 362, 363,
368, 374, 378.
Second Battery, 335, 347, 352, 364, 367,
374, 375, 378, 391.
Seventh Inf., 335, 351.
Eighth Inf., 335, 347, 351, 363, 376, 379, 391.
Thirteenth Inf., 335, 365.
Fifteenth Inf., 335, 365, 376, 389,
First Cavalry, 335, 347, 361, 366, 373,
375, 377, 391.
Sixth Battery, 347, 352, 364, 372, 375,376,
379, 391.
Nineteenth Inf., 347, 348, 364, 370, 374,
376, 379, 391.
Twentieth Inf., 349, 364, 869, 375, 376,
379, 391.
Twenty-Sixth Inf., 349, 365.
Heavy Artillery, 361, 377.
Second Cavalry. 361.
D. C. Cavalry, 361, 377.
Ninth Inf., 376.
First Battalion, 376.
Coast Guards, 376.
Thirty-First Inf., 377.
Twelfth Inf., 384, 391.
Reimbursement of Bounties, 355, n, 399, n.
Religious Societies. See Churches and
Clergymen.
Representative Classes, 537.
Revolution, The. See Wars.
Richmond, City of, Wrecked, 439.
Rivers, 11.
Road Mecadamized, 553.
Roads, 93-94, 222, 242.
Rockland-Rookport Lime Co., 610.
Rockport, Name Adopted, 298.
Rockport Ice Co., 480, 421, 555, 615.
Rockport Village, Early Buildings, 454.
Roosevelt, Pros., Letter of, 560.
Saturday Cove, 179, n.
School, High, Principals of,
Camden, 590.
Rockport, 600.
School-Houses, 98, 596-600.
School Lot, 101.
Schools, 356, 416, n, 595-600.
Seabright Woven Felt Co., 613.
Secession, 330, 332.
Separation of Maine from Massachu-
setts, 99, 106, 129, 205, 212, 214.
Settlers, 3^43, 72-85.
Sherman's Point, 622.
Ship-Building and Ship-Builders, 103, 309,
409, 416, 426, 469, 495, 523, 543, 601-607.
INDEX
635
Shire Towns, 89, n.
Shirts, Manufacture of, 614, 615.
Shore, H.
Small-Pox, 117, 543.
Soldiers. See Volunteers.
Soldiers' Monument. 519-520.
Soldiers' Monument Association, 519.
Springs, Cold, 198, 233, 588.
Stand-Pipe, 529.
Steamboat, 219.
Sturgis Commission and Law, 556.
Suicide on Mt. Megunticook, 462.
Summer Cottages, 509, 620-625.
Summer Besidents and Visitors, 619-826.
Summer Eesorts, 616-626.
Surface, 9.
Surplus Revenue, 245.
Tannery, 317, 440.
Taxation, Exemption of New Industries
from, 393, 401, 459, 467, 477.
Taxation of Village Hall, 441, u.
Telegraph, 309.
Telephone, 452.
Temperance. See Reforms.
Temple Club, 501.
Temple of Honor, 280.
Ten Proprietors, 25.
Territory, 8.
Town Clocks, 398, 600.
Town Farms, 77, 228, 431.
Town House, 237, 318.
Towns, Neighboring, Incorporated, 79, n.
90, 151, n.
Trotting Park, 639.
Turnpike, 118-121, 617.
Turtle Head, 186, n.
Twenty Associates, 25, n, 27-34.
Volunteers from Camden In Civil War,
333-336, 347-350, 361, 375-877, 389, 390. n.
Votes, "Blanket Stickers," S50.
Voyages, Early. See Discoveries.
Waldo County, 89, 226.
Waldo Patent, 27-34.
Wars.
Revolutionary, 44-65.
1812, 141-197.
Rebellion, 332-393.
Spanish, 516-518.
In Philippines and China, 617-518.
War Debt, 381-386, 424, n.
War Meetings, 336, 347.
Warning to New Comers, 95.
War, Votes of Town in Aid of, 337, 354,
355, 368, 359, 381-382, 386-386.
Water Companies, 114, 459, 462.
Water Fight, 526, 528.
Water, Mirror Lake, 459, 462, ii, 617.
Waymouth Celebration, 7, n.
Wideawakes, 328.
Winter, Mild, 668.
Winters, Severe, 62, 419, 465, 499, 551, 553.
Woolen Manufacture, 407, 460, 478, 612-613.
Yacht Club, Camden, 626.
636
INDEX
INDEX OF PRINCIPAL NAMES.
[For names of Officers of State, County and Towns, Societies, Corporations
and Candidates, Clergymen, Postmasters, Customs Officers, Light-Keepers, Soldiers
and Sailors, High School Principals, Twenty Associates, Members of Committees,
Bands, etc., see appropriate subjects in " Index of Subjects."]
Abbott, Lawrence 621.
Aohorn, Frank E. 512.
Adams, Benj. C. 314, 632, sk.
Adams, B. F. 529.
Adams, John 60
Adams, Joshua 573, 612. ^
Adams, Sam'l G. 250, 255, 274, 413, sk., 572.
Alden, Cyrus Q-. 414, sk.
Alden, Henry L. 613.
Alden, Horatio 329, 407, sk.
Alden, Horatio E. 407, 408, 430, sk, 613.
Alden, Wm. G. 408, 615.
Aldus, Fred D. 859.
Alexander, F. P. 538.
Allen, S. F. 609.
Amoret, 17.
Amsbury Family, 554.
Amsbury, J. A. 554, sk, 580.
Amsbury, Stanley 554, sk.
Amsbury, Thomas, 396.
Amsden, H. F. 621.
Anderson, Edwin 348.
Andrews, Daniel 310, sk.
Andrews, Fred W. 527.
Andrews, Hanson 308, 417, sk.
Andrews, Oliver 265, 514, sk.
Angell, David 116.
Appleton, Jose 25.
Appleton, Nat'l 29, 33.
Appleton, Sam'l 73.
Argall, Sam'l 22.
Armstrong, Com. 339.
Ashley, Edward 25.
Atticus, 246-249.
Babb, C. Wilkes 112.
Bachelder, Cyrus G. 398, 437, sk.
Ballard, John 40.
Barnard, Isaac, 84, 158.
Barrett, Charles 73.
Barrett, Charles (2), 608.
Barrett, Daniel 118-120, 293, sk, 585.
Barrett, Ebenezer H. 229.
Barrett, Ephraim 316, sk, 608.
Barrett, John 608.
Barrett, Sam'l 608
Barrett, Wm. S. 474, sk.
Barrows, Banajah 402, sk.
Barrows, Confort 608.
Barrows, Gilman S. 310, 407, 409, sk.
Barrows, Stephen 238, 244, 262, 255, 264,
402, sk.
Barstow, C. M. 573, 615.
Bartlett, Thomas C. 630 (errata)
Bass, Alden, 160, 173, 208, 296, sk.
Bass, Hiram 244, 288, 310, 313, 428, sk. 578.
Bates, Hosea 160.
Bean, H. M. 603-606.
Bean, E. L. 606.
Beauchamp, John 23-25.
Bennett, J. T. 650, 657, 568.
Benson, Rufus 288.
Berry, Hiram G. 333, 351, 362.
Berry, Jeremiah 182.
Berry, Nicholas 357, sk.
Berry, Wm. H. 400.
Bird, James 404, sk.
Bird, John 260, sk.
Bisbee, D. H. 338, 366, 501, sk.
Bisbee, W. P. 529, 613.
Blaisdell, Capt. 36.
Blake, Chesley 148.
Blake, Maurice C. 261, 267, 270, 274, 279,
306, sk.
Blake, Wm. 368, sk.
Blake, Wm. D. 360.
Blodgett, David 76, 570.
Blodgett, Lucy 570
Blunt, Capt. 66.
Borden, William 622.
Borland, Chauncey B. 625.
Borland, Harriet B. 621.
Bourne, N. G. 591.
Bowers, John 102, 207, 210.
Bowers, Joseph 207.
Bowers, Joseph H. 439, sk.
Bowers, Olive 207.
Bowers, Phineas 206, sk.
INDEX
637
Bowers, Rodolphus, 506, sk.
Boynton, E. E. 529.
Bradford, Elijah 569.
Bramhall, E. H. 550.
BramhaU L. E. 527, 550.
Brastow, Thos. E. 434, 436, 655, sk.
Brewster, J. A. 529, 556, 614.
Brooks, Noah 160, 179, 214, sk, 602, 630
(errata.)
Brown, Aaron 591.
Brown, John 322.
Brown, John 603,
Brown, Nathan 159, 394, sk.
Brown, Obadiah 297, 302, 302.
Brown, Wm. 147.
Buchanan, Alex 283.
Buchanan, Mrs. Alex 626.
Buchlin, Barak 40, 91, 386.
Bucklin, Mark 386, sk.
Burd, Robert J. 288.
Burgess, Ctershom P. 347, 398, 465, 509, sk,
609.
Bumham, Wm. J. 530.
Burrage, H. S. 660.
Burton, Benj. 66, 62.
Buswell, Columbus 516, 625.
Cabot, Sebastian, 2.
Cain, Robert 438.
Cain, Willie, 438.
Carle, Eufus 405, sk.
Carleton, E. E. 313, 609.
Carleton, G. E. 607, 609.
Carleton, Jos. H. 638, 547, sk.
Carleton, Philander J. 347, 360, 396, 398,
399, 401, 521, sk, 593, 606, 608, 609.
Carleton, Ralph W. 478, 491, 503.
Carleton, Sam'l D. 322, 495, sk, 606, 608-
609.
Carleton, Wm. 146, 244, 253, 257, sk, 608.
Carleton, Wm. Jr. 276, 421, sk.
Carter, Thomas 611.
Gary, J. F. 527, 609.
Camden, Earl of, 85,86.
Castine, Baron de 16, 36.
Charles I, 22, 24.
Charles II, 24.
Chamberlain, J. L. 366, 369, 370, 390.
Chapman, S. H. 336.
Chase, Robert 163, 173, 189, 190, 196, 244,
259, 300, sk.
Chase, Samuel 297, 360, sk.
Chatfield, A. H. 624.
Choate, W. S. 530.
Church, Benj. 35.
CUley, J. P. 877.
Clark, Andrew E. 314, 349.
Clark, James 262, 271, 415, sk.
Clark, James W. 283.
Clary, Oliver 603.
Cleveland, George H. 492, 530.
Cleveland, H. H. 419, 470, sk, 623.
Cobb, Ezra 246, 260, 422, sk.
Cobb, Geo. W. 423, sk.
Cobb, Wm. T. 476.
Cochran, Thomas 123-125, 160, 199, 201-205,
209, 211.
Codman, Wm. H. 297, 434, sk.
Coffin, Paul 103, 602.
Coke, Sir Edward 22.
Collier, Sir George 54, 66.
Conway, Frederick 271, 426, sk.
Conway, Richard 170, 221, sk.
Conway, Wm. 339-343, 558.
Conant, Joseph T. 603.
Coombs, Isaac 403, 406, 643, sk, 603, 623.
Corthell, Peltiah 56.
Crandall, D. L. 400.
Crane, George G. 613.
Crawford, Wm. H. 467, sk.
Crocker, John 609.
Crockett, David 86.
Crocker, Philip 102, 106.
Crowell, Mrs. Aaron 181.
Curtis, Calvin 147, 160, 169, 176, 194, 209,
229, sk.
Curtis, Christopher 166.
Curtis, Cyras H. K. 623.
Curtis, James 237.
Curtis, John H. 499, 504, sk.
Curtis, W. J. 622.
Gushing, Benj. 100, 101, 106, 112, 114, 115,
117, 120, 190, 196, 228, 236, 238, sk, 602,
608.
Cuahing, Edward 322, 401, 414, 473, sk, 591.
Gushing, Jeremiah C. 271, 417, sk.
Gushing, Joseph 101.
Dailey, Amon 608.
Dailey, John B. 416, sk, 603-604.
Daniels, E. C. 591.
Davis, Admiral 569.
638
INDEX
Davis. Daniel, f 6.
Davis, Jefferson 319.
Davis, Michael 69.
Davis. Eobert S. 612.
Day, Sam'.lQ. 603.
Deorow, Israel 473. sk. 603.
Dergin, Jolin_84.
Dillingham, Charles 80.
Dillingham, B. F. 620.
PiUinghani, E. L. 620.
Dillingham P. H. 620.
Dillingham. Joshua 79, 87. 91, 114, 115, 122.
Dillingham, Joshua, Jr. 80.
Dillingham Josiah 79, 80.
Dillingham, Lemuel 114. 583.
Dillingham. Nat'l 80, 226, 232. 244, 292, sk.
Dorithy, Squire 193,
Dougherty, F. H. 623.
Douglass, Col. 17t.
Douglass, Stephen A. 329.
Dow, Edwin B. 372, 373.
Dow, George 282.
Dow of Belfast, 48.
Dnunmond, Josiah H. 394.
Duffy, Charles F. 512.
Du Monts, 21.
Dunbar, David 27.
Dunton, Abner 288 490, n.
Dunton, Alvin E,.'498, sk.
Eager, John 190, 237, 248, sk.
Eager, Mrs John 191.
Paton, Cyrus 6, 17, 42, 48, 50, 69, 71, 132,
198.
Eaton, Hosea B, 322, 347, 436, 442, 450,
J 463, sk.. . :
Eaton, Lucy 570.
Baton, Josepji 39, 91, 94, 97, 100, 230, sk.
Baton,. Joseph Jr., 114, 266, sk.
Eaton, William 114, 265, sk, 570.
Eells, Albert S. 439, sk, 605, 606, 611.
Eells, C. S. 478, 491.
Eells, John 266, sk.
Eells, John H. 460, 459, 465, 547, sk, 606.
Ericson, Leif 2.
Bstabrook, George 347.
Estabrook, Joseph H. 236, 240, 245, 336,
456, sk.
Estabrook, Nath'l 226, 235, 237.
Evans, Admiral R. D. 558, 559.
Evans, L. D. 574.
Fales, David 8. .
Farley, Joseph 133, 162. 1S4, 188.
Famham, Jeremjah 204.
Famsworth, 01ivei!;491.
Farrand, Cormnander 339.
Farwell, N. A. 336. 338.
Fay, Nancy 76. 77.
Pay, Silas 205, 230. sk.
Fenderson, Ella C. ,523.
Fletcher, E. C. 314, 395, 397.
Fletcher, N. C. 57. 62, 65, 460, sk, 609.
Plucker. Francis 30.
Flucker, Hannah 30. i
Flncker, Lucy 30.
Flucker. Thomas 30.
Fogler, Charles 150.
FoUansbee. George L. 360, 382, 502, sk.
FoUansbee, Leonard 602, sk.
Foot. Erastus, 49, 102, 123, 161, 166, 188.
189, 192, 194, 199, sk.
Forchheimer, F. 624. '
Foster, John S. 533, sk.
Francis, Minot St. Clair, 561.
Freeman, Edward 262, 443, sk.
Freeman, Edward L. 530, 623!
French, Wm. A. 620.
Gallagher, Charles T. 530, 622.
Gardiner, Wm. H. 565. sk, 620.
Gibbs, Elisha 110.
Gilbert, Pi'ederick, 624.
Gilbert, Raleigh 21.
Glover,. John 387, sk.
Glover, John W. 387.
Glover, Russell 603.
Gomez, 2.
Gookin, G. E. 623.
Gorges, Sir Fernando 17, 23.
Gosselin, Gen. 171.
Gould, Albert P. 336.
Gould, TUson 208, 315, sk.
Gould Family, 315.
Gould, Nath'l 394.
Graffam, Jacob, 580, 608.
Graffam, Joseph 288, 506, sk.
Graffam, Sarah 291.
Greenhalgh, J. B. 362.
Gregory, Hanson, 55, 310,
Gregory, John 43, 398, sk.
Gregory, Josiah 42, 97.
INDEX
639
Gregory, William 32, 40, 42, 43. 50, 62, 55,
56, 91, 117, 225.
Gregory. William Jr. 94, 97, 115, 116. 263,sk.
Gribbel, John 624.
Griffin, Admiral 171.
Grose, Thomas B. 259, 260, 275, 397, 401,
406. 504, St.
Gross, John 33.
Gushee, S. J. 438, 450, 459.
Hale, Eugene 401. 432.
Hale, John P. 323.
Hall, A. F. 612.
Hal?, Farnham 140, 141, 216, sk.
Hall, Frye 219, 223, 225, 226, sk, 228.
Hall, James A. 252.
Hall, Joseph 160, 226, 237, 238, 240, 243,
323. sk.
HaU, Joshua 121.
Hanford, Edward 160, 169, 231, 235, 295, sk.
Hamlin, Hannibal 313, 330, S63.
Hanley, M. P. 613.
Harbaok, Thomas 612.
Hardy, Manly 620.
Harkness, George T. 478.
Harkness, John 40, 57, 58, 79, 91, 97, 115,
122, 127, sk.
Harkness John Jr. 238, 240, 608.
Harkness, Robert 286.
Harkness, Wm. 250.
Harrington, E. D. 530.
Harrington, Isaac 104, 141.
Harrison, Pres. Wm. H. 254.
Harris, Wm. M. 558.
Hart, L. W. 573.
Hartford, Hiram 608.
Hathaway, Deborah 112.
Hathaway, John 100, 106, 111, sk.
Havener, P. O. 624.
Heal, Peter. 270.
Heath, Francis E. 371.
HUl, M. O. 621.
HUl, George H. 623.
Hemingway, H. J. 630, sk.
Henry IV, 21.
Henry, Charles W. 547, sk, 623.
Herjtdison, Bjome 2.
Hewett, Waterman 569.
Hillyer. Appleton E. 621.
HUt, Philip 72.
Hobhs, Isaac 406.
Hobbs, J. C. 557.
Hobbs, Micah 114.
Hobbs, Wm. 114.
Hodgman, Amos H. 78, sk.
Hodgman, Job 75, 2S7, sk.
Hodgman, Joel 432, sk.
Hodgman, Thomas 603.
Hofer, C. F. 622. 626.
Holyoke, Caleb 620.
Hook, Josiah 187.
Hooker, Gen. 362, 364. .
Hooper, W. F. 621.
Horton, John 115. ,
Hosmer, Mrs. Amasa 619.
Hosmer, Anne 75. -'
Hosmer, Asa 76. 77, 98, Z72, 695.
Hosmer, C. T. 442.
Hosmer, D. M. 591.
Hosmer, Elizabeth 570.
Hosmer, Errold E. 619.
Hosmer, Emma 76.
Hosmer, Jesse F. 500, sk.
Hosmer, Nathan H. 513, sk.
Hosmer, Nathaniel 74-77, 91, 93, 102, 272,
515, 570.
Hosmer, Tabitha 76.
Howard, Gen. 362, 363.
Howard, Philip 538.
Howarth, Richard 613.
Hunt, Simon 178, 387, sk.
Hunt, Thomas A. 560.
Hunt, Thomas H. 540. sk.
Huse, Jonathan 448, sk, 591.
Huse, Joseph 115, 237,, 276, sk.
Hutchins, S, 591 .
Howe, Abner 615, sk.
Howe, Jonas, 515. sk.
Howe, W. C. 615. •
Ingraham, Frank 0. 527, 537.
Ingraham, Job S44, 808.
Irish, W. S. 442, 557.
Jackson, C T. 9.
Jacobs Bela 139, sk.
Jacobs, Frederick 77, 237, 240, sk.
Jacobs, Samuel 94, 97, 115, 116, 117, 118,
122, 138, sk.
James, I- 23, 24.
Jameson, Alexander 40-106.
640
INDEX
Jajneson, Paul 46.
Jameson, Robert 40, 45, 46, 48, 49, 234, 630.
(errata)
Johnson, Albert 407, 478, sk, 612.
Johnson, John O. 658, 560.
Jones, Henry 592.
Jones, Joseph 244, 330, sk, 608.
Jones, Joseph H. 466, st, 572, 591.
Jones, Sidney A. 329, 470, sk.
Josselyn, N. L. 261, 432, 434, 436.
Judson, A. M. 620, 625.
Justice, Wm. W. 621, 622.
Kalloch, H. F. 557.
Keen, Joslah 669.
Keep, Chauncy 621, 625.
Kelley, H. W. 623.
Kelleran, Edward 246.
Keyes, Mary 570.
Keyes, Solomon 570.
Kirschner, Otto 621.
Knight, A. H. 623.
Knight, Blbridge G. 302, 360, 382, 427, sk.
Knight, C. M. 466, sk, 630. (errata)
Knight. Henry 407, 445, sk.
Knight, Johnson 432, 467, 478.
Knowlton, David 396, n, 398, 496, sk.
Knowlton, E. Frank 450, 459, 538, 613.
Knox, Henry 30, 31, 32, 80, 114, 118.
Lane, Wm. V. 546, sk.
Latta, Wm. J. 623.
Leach, Edward P. 399,
Leach, Miles S. 604.
Levensaler, Atwood 436
Levensaler, John C. 397, 406, 424.
Leverett, Hudson 24.
Leverett, John Gov. 24.
Leverett, John Pres. 24, 26.
Lewis, Fred 424, 562, sk.
Lewis, Lieut. 172.
Libby, Bdvrin369.
Lincoln. Gen. 103, n.
Lincoln, Pres. 330, 332.
Littlefield, Chas. B. 436, 519.
Locke, John L. 6, 9, 31, 39, 42, 47, 48, 62,
65, 67, 69, 70, 71, 81, 83, 86, 94, 95, 101, 102,
103, 110, 151, 163,176,182,193,196,226, 223,
256, 301, 322, 420, sk, 566, 588.
Long, John 48, 49, 63.
Lopez, Narciso 288.
Lovell, Solomon 52, 53.
Madockawando 16, 25.
Mace, Thos. 91.
Magruder, A. B 342.
Magune, James W. 380, 397, sk,
Maneddo, 17.
Mansfield, Daniel 269, 570.
Mansfield Family 269, n, 630. (errata)
Mansfield, Valentine 608.
Marble, Sebastian S. 459, n.
Marshall, K. F. 560, 658.
Martin, Alexander 446, sk.
Martin. Dudley S. 564, sk.
Martin, F. O. 620.
Martin, Joseph H. 414, 419, 424, 432, 446,
sk.
Martin, Nath'l 163, 213, 214, 220, sk.
May, John 669.
McCobb, Collector 210.
McGlathry, William 87, 90, 91,95. 97, 98,
103, 107, sk., 602.
McGlivery, Maj. 372, 373.
Mclntire, Clarence 512
Mclntire, Jeremiah 250, 521, sk.
Mclntire, John 521, sk.
McKay, Mrs. J. A. 619.
MoKean, Wm. W. 341.
McKee, Charles H. 622.
Melvin, Isaac B. 562, sk.
Merriam, Abel 386, 395, 397, sk.
Merriam, Ezra D. 436.
Merriam, William 274, 279, 552, sk.
Merrill, John 523, sk.
Merrill, Wilson 523, sk.
Meservey, Chas. E. 627, 550.
Messinger, P. C. 297.
MetcaU, Leonard 47, 49, 52, 67, 68, 69.
Minot, Stephen 39.
Minot, William 39, 41, 47, 48.
Miller, Alden 563, sk.
Miller, Alden Jr., 520, 563, sk.
Miller, Augustine P. 403, 504.
Miller, Chas. K. 450, 465, 527, 550.
Miller, Frank B. 638, 658.
Miller, Noah 185, 192, 195.
Miller, Robert 41.
Millett, Joseph 576, 578.
Milliken, Seth L. 313, 318, 325, sk.
INDEX
641
Mlrick, Augustus D. 446, sk.
Miriok, Joseph 236, sk.
Mirick, Joseph H. 446, sk.
Moody, E. C. 401.
Molineaux, Mary 83.
Molineaux, William 34, 81-84, 97.
Montgomery, J. H. 436, 465, 504, 557.
Morrill, Oliver 463, sk.
Morris, Capt. Ghas. 168.
Morris, G. W. 626, u.
Morse, L. K. 491.
Mortland, D. N. 436.
Mounoey, Capt. 188, 193.
Mowat, Capt. 60, 61, 62.
Mullin, Jos. S. 529.
Munroe, Royal 344, sk.
Murch, Thompson H. 432.
Neptune, 'Sogabason 87.
Nicholson, John 133, 206, sk.
Norwood, Fred A. 430, 436, sk.
Norwood, Johu W. K. 420, sk.
Norwood, Joshua G. 275, 426, sk, 606, 609.
Norwood, William 224, sk.
Norwood, William A. 314, 462, sk.
Norwood, William E. 479, sk.
Nultonanit 18.
Nutt, David 40, 91.
Oat, Peter 177, 225.
Ogier, Abraham 33, 39, 47.
Ogier, Abraham (2) 210, 261, 271, 285, sk,
286, 612.
Ogier, Edward R. 465, 503, 512.
Ogier, Jesse H. 530.
Ogier, Joseph W. 39. 565, sk.
Ogier, Lewis 39, 43, 87, 171, 239, 271, 283,
sk, 583, 612.
Ogier, Peter 40.
Orbeton, Elliot 534, sk.
Ott, Elizabeth 58.
Ott, Peter 40, 48, 49, 52, 58, 90,93,99,102,225.
Ott, Peter, Jr., See Oat.
Oxton, Henry 569.
Packard, Fred A. 478.
Packard, James 160.
Page, Geo. H. 550.
Page, Jesse 262, 265.
Paige, Prank E. 613.
Pain, Ebenezer 102.
Paine, Rotheus E. 444, sk.
Palmer, Asha, 147, 160, 170,
Palmer, Benj. 117.
Palmer, Clara E. 621.
Palmer, Nath'l 91.
Parker, Mrs- E. J. 621.
Parker, Moses 236, sk.
Parker, Myron M. 622, 626.
Parker, Oliver 89, 90, 91.
Parkman, William 208, 254, sk.
Parris, Albion K. 630. (errata)
Pascal, Alexander 540, sk.
Pascal, Chester L. 607.
Pascal, John 639, sk, 607, 630. (errata)
Patch, Jacob 272, sk.
Patten, Gilbert 626, n.
Patterson, Freeman C. 360.
Paul, Benj. P. 593
Paul, Clarence E. 538, 558.
Payson, Daniel 161.
Pease, Jethro D. 557.
Pendleton, Amos 180.
Pendleton, Arthur 160.
Pendleton, George 268, sk.
Pendleton, Isaac 414, sk.
Pendleton, John 189, 267, sk.
Perkins, Harry J. 628.
Perry, Abner 569.
Perry, Edwrad B. 621, 626.
Perry, James 394, 488, sk, 630. (errata)
Perry, Wilder W.432,434, 436, 450, 491, 503,
534.
Perry, Oakes 189, 208, 233, sk.
Phelps, George B. 621, 625, 626.
Philbrook, Clementine 43.
Philbrook, David 246,
Philip, King 19, 26.
Phips, Spencer 25.
Phips, Sir William 25.
Pierce, Franklin, Pres. 300.
Pierce, Joseph 34, 141.
Pierce, William 25.
Pike, Perley F. 173.
Pillsbury, Phineas 116.
Piper, Albert P. 566, sk.
Plummer, Mrs. B. M. 621.
I Pomeroy, Tony 45, 46, 47.
] Popham, George 18, 21.
; Porter, Benj. J. 31, n 237, 277, sk.
Porter, Benj. J. Jr., 404, sk.
642
INDEX
Porter, John 620.
Porter, Stephen 626.
Porter, William E. 626.
Porterfield, Robert 98.
Porterfield, William 40.
Presoott, John E. 621, 626, u.
Prince, George 3, 6.
Pring, Martin 3, 36, 628.
Prudden, Theodore H. 621.
Pullen, Frank 559.
Eawson, Warren 244, 250, sk.
Eeed, Isaac G. 192.
Eeed, Jacob 114.
Renshaw, Lieut. 339.
Revere, Paul 52.
Eeynolds, Gen. 367.
Eiohards, Asa 177, 189.
Richards, Bridget 42, 43.
Richards, Charles 566, sk, 582.
Eiohards, Dodapher 38, 41, 102.
Richards, Elizabeth 38, 48, 67.
Richards, E. E. 623. '
Richards, Fred C. 406, 414.
Richards, Jacob 42, 43.
Richards, James 36, 38, 42, 43, 48, 54, 55,
66, 69, 84, 91, 218, 627.
Richards, James, Jr., 43, 319, sk.
Richards, James (3) 43.
Kichards, John T. 561.
Richards, Joseph 38, 102.
Rivers, Thomas 161.
Robbius, Lieut. 177, 180, 189.
Robbins, Philip 63.
Eobbins, Wm. J. 538.
Eobinson, John O. 436.
Robinson, Eeuel 109, 465, 619, 529, 530,
537, 550, 573, 578, 613.
Roosevelt, Theodore Pres. 660.
Eose, Edwin S. 620, sk.
Eosier, James 1, 4, 16.
Russ, Isaac 147, 173, 188.
Russ, William 320.
Rust, John D. 327, 329, 335, 336, 361, 363,
379, 478, 480, sk.
Euasell, Dexter W. 551, sk.
Russell, Samuel 76, 100, 117.
SaHaoomoit 17.
Saltonstall Com. 62, 54.
Sandon, Leiut. 189.
Sanford, Q. E. 491.
Sauford, S. D. 465, 491.
Sartelle, John 76.
Schwartz, Wm. B. 598.
ieward, James 508, sk.
Shaw, John E. 180.
Shepherd, Franklin P. 633, 534, sk.
Shepherd, Herbert L. 424, 516, 624, 609,
611, u, 616, 625.
Shepherd, Jotham 322, 464. sk, 608.
Shepherd, O. P. 609.
Shepherd, Samuel B. 432, 624, sk, 609,
615.
Sherbrooke, Com. 340.
Sherman, Ignatius 267, 278, sk.
Sherman, Isaac W. 399, 478, 601. 631, sk.
Sherman, Joseph 114, 278, sk.
Sherman, Justin H. 603, 616, 620, sk.
Sherman, Oliver G. 655, sk.
Sherwood, Sir John 171.
Shorkley, George 541.
Sibley John L. 86, 87.
Simmons, Nath'l 669.
Simonton, Abraham, 260, 280.
Simonton. George W. 314, 322, 597.
Simonton, James 40, 159, sk.
Simonton, James, Jr., 159,sk.
Simonton, John W. 423, sk.
Simonton, Patrick 260, 605-606.
Simonton, Thaddeus R. 327, 328, 329, 336,
347, 396, 417, 450, 459, 465, 527, 630,
544, sk, 626, n.
Simonton, William 310, sk, 608.
Skicowares, 17.
Small, Hubert C. 465, 527.
Smart, Mary S. 622.
Smart, Ephraim K. 228, 236, 260, 262,
270, 274, 280, 287, 298, 300, 311, 318,
328, 336, 338, 356, 407, 410, sk, 691.
Smith, John 9, 17, 19, 22, 36.
Sneath, E. Hershey 624.
Snell, Joseph D. 622.
Snow, Blisha 115.
Sogabason, Francis 87.
Spaulding, Henry 436.
Spaulding, John 619.
Spear, Thomas 608.
Stackpole, James 282.
Staples, L. M. 616, 627, 538, 650.
Starrett, L. F. 436.
Start, Bbenezer 262, sk.
INDEX
643
start, George 262, sk.
Start, George, Jr., 262.
Stearns, Joseph B. 507, sk, 621.
Stetson, Benj. 98.
Stetson, Joseph 237, 240, 244, 264, 265, 407,
409, sk, 602.
Stetson, Joseph C. 6U8.
Stetson, Joseph P. 390.
Stetson, Sarah 43.
Stevens, Paul 279, 313, 451, sk, 591.
Stevens, Mrs. Cornelius 622.
Stone, Alric 623.
Stone, Oscar W. 513, sk.
Storey, H. D. 615.
Strackey, William 21, 628.
Strawbridge, George 621.
Strawbridge, Justus C. 653, 621, 625.
Sturgis, H. H. 556.
Swan, Chas. T. 504.
Swan, James B. 465.
Swan, John 229, 232, 465, sk, 586.
Sweetland, Austin 439, sk.
Sweetland, Wade 237.
Sylvester, Belcher 217, sk.
Sylvester. Chas. A. 434, 459, -524, sk.
Tahanado, 17.
Talbot, David 319, 347, 469, sk, 590, 606,
608.
Talbot, Nath'l T. 260, 3i7, 397, 46B, sk.
Tarr, John 170.
Thatcher, Samuel 146, 176, 192.
Thayer, Jonathan 199, 209, 213, 228, 236,
271, 304, sk.
Thevet, Andre 2.
Thomas, Cornelius 260, 267, 343, sk.
Thomas, John G. 440, sk.
Thompson, G. B. 667.
Thomdike, Alexander 43.
Thomdike, Bathsheba 570.
Thomdike, Betsey 42.
Thomdike, Eben 521, sk, 608.
Thomdike, Ebenezer 237, 246.
Thomdike, George W. 432, 440, sk.
Thomdike, James 56, 87.
Thomdike, Joseph 518, sk.
Thomdike, Mehitable 42.
Thomdike, Moses 156.
Thomdike, Paul 40, 56, 91, 570.
Thomdike, Paul, Jr., 156, 608.
Thomdike, Robert 33, 34, 38, 39, 43, 55, 56,
59, 61, 64, 84, 91, 94, 241.
Thomdike, Mrs. Robert 56.
Thomdike, Robert, Jr., 42, 43, 48, 82.
Thomdike, Mrs. Robert, Jr., 347.
Thomdike, W. H. 609.
Tillson, Davis 336, 352.
Titcomb, Wm. H. 363.
Tolman, Albert 577.
Tohnan, Isaiah 234, sk.
Tolman, Minot 279, 608.
Tolman, Samuel ieo.
Trafton, Jacob 229, 231, 236, 250.
Treat, Simeon J. 491.
Tremalne, Ada B. 624.
Trussell, Franklin 459.
Trussell, Moses 115, 117, 122, 126, 159,
160, 223, sk.
Tucker, Samuel 59, 60, SI, 62.
Twombly, Wm. H. 400, 403.
Tyler, Simeon 133, 183, 196, 210.
Ulmer, George 55.
Ulmer, Philip 158, 187.
Uhner, Ralph E. 527.
Ulmer, Wm. N. 527.
Upham, William 40.
Upham, William, Jr., 608.
Van Btiren, Martin Pres. 78.
Vamey, Geo. W. 538.
Veazie, Chas. B. 528.
Verrazzani, 2.
Vinal, Bzekiel 382.
Wadsworth, Peleg 52, 53, 95.
Waldo, Cornelius 25.
Waldo, Jonathan 25.
Waldo, Samuel 25, 27, 23, 29, 30.
Walker, Col. 361, 368.
Wardwell, Edward J. 621, 626.
Wardwell, V. P. 519.
Ward, Mr. 84.
Walsh, Mrs. Timothy 621, sk.
Washburn, Job 437.
Washburn, Wm. H. 347, 386, 393, 592.
Washington, George Pres. 31.
Waymouth, George 1, 3, 6, 7, 15, 17, 21,
36, 627, 628.
Webber, Mr. 68.
Webster, Moses 414.
Wells, Andrew 47, 52.
644
INDEX
Wells, Joshua 103.
Wells, Gideon 341.
Wellman, John P. 450, 465.
Wellman, V. D. 491.
Wetherbee, Chas. H. 267, 403, sk.
Wheeler, Francis N 487,sk.
Wheeler, Jonas 208, 209, 216, 218, 219,
223, 225, 226, sk.
Wheeler, Mary 75, 77.
White, George W. 396,
Whiting, Thurston 118.
Whitmore, John 252, sk.
Williams, Hezekiah 281.
Williams, Samuel 613.
Williamson, Joseph 28, 48.
Wilson, George B. 622.
Wilson, Jonathan 179, 195.
Wintworth, Jessum68.
Withington, David B. 530, sk.
Wood, Charles C. 516, 538.
Wood, Ephraim 120, 208, 218, 22% SOP, ak,
608.
Wood, Ephraim M. 261, 302, 329, 406, 424,
436, 450, 471, sk.
Wood, Nath'l M. 428, sk.
Wooster, John 540, sk.
Wright, James A. 620.
York, Duke of,24.
Young, A. L. 612.
Young, Caleb 147.
Young, Christopher,
308, 338, 356, sk, 609,
Young, Moses 120, 588,
Jr., 280, 288,
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